VIDEO LESSON

LESSSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the local climate types of Ethiopia; and
• Compare the methods used in climate classification locally against Köppen.
• Explain the characteristics of each climatic classifications of Ethiopia.

BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS

What do you know about the local climate classification of Ethiopia?

Dear Online Learner! Ethiopia’s local climate classification is based on height, temperature, and growing season length. The country can be divided into five primary climatic zones:

Keywords:

• Local
• Climate classification
• Ethiopia

1. Bereha:

• Are hot lowlands.
• Found below 500 meters above sea level and
• Have an average annual rainfall of fewer than 16 inches and a temperature of more than 30⁰C.
•  Mainly inhabited by pasoralists. Strong winds, high temperatures, low relative humidity, and limited cloud cover characterize the climatic zone.
• Examples in Afar lowlands, Somali lowlands, etc.

Figure-2.12: Traditional climate zone of Ethiopia

2. Kolla:

• Kolla describes a semi-arid environment that is warm to hot.
• Located between 500 and 1500 masl.
• The average annual temperature is between 20 and 30⁰C,
• The average annual rainfall is between 16.4 and 32.8 inches. In the rainy western lowlands of Gambella, though, rainfall can reach 64 inches.
• This area has a climate that is both hot and humid.
• Common crops include sorghum, finger millet, groundnuts, cowpeas, and sesame.

3. Woina-Dega:

• Encompasses the temperate highlands, which are located between 1500 and 2300masl.
• The average annual temperature is 15⁰C to 20⁰C, with an average annual rainfall of 48 inches.
• Wheat, teff, barley, maize, sorghum, chickpeas, and haricot beans are often grown.

4. Dega

• Describe the climate of cold temperate highlands
• Located between 2300 and 3300 meters above sea level. The coldest month sees temperatures below 10⁰C and rainfall ranging from 40 to 80 inches.
• Wheat, highland pulses, and highland oil seeds are the most common crops.

5. Wurch

• Alpine climate found at elevations greater than 3,300 meters above sea level.
• Afro-alpine plateaus (Senate plateaus), Simien Mountain (Ras Dejen mountains), Guna Mountains, Choke Mountains in Gojjam, and Amare Saint in south Wollo.
• The yearly average temperature is below 100C, and annual rainfall is between 35.2 and 80 inches.
• Barley is commonly produced.

Table: summary of Ethiopia’s Agro-Climatic Zones