Summary

Ethiopia’s diverse topography and climate are divided into five agro-climatic zones, each shaped by altitude, temperature, and rainfall patterns. These zones range from the cold Wurch zone, with altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters, to the scorching Bereha zone below 500 meters. The high-altitude Wurch and Dega zones face harsh climatic challenges, but the Dega zone supports more agricultural activity, especially in Ethiopia’s northern and central highlands. Meanwhile, the mid-altitude Woina-Dega zone is the country’s breadbasket, producing surplus grains and benefiting from reliable rainfall. In contrast, the lowland Kolla and Bereha zones face hotter, semi-arid conditions, making agriculture more difficult but possible in areas with higher rainfall.

Seasonal variations in Ethiopia significantly affect the country’s agricultural potential. Ethiopia has two main rainy seasons: Kiremt (June to August) and Belg (March to May), which together contribute over 90% of the annual rainfall. The dry Bega season (November to February) is marked by clear skies and wide temperature fluctuations, while the short Meher season (September to November) has minimal rainfall. These seasonal changes are critical for determining the timing of agricultural activities and water resource management across different regions.

Rainfall distribution in Ethiopia varies both spatially and temporally, driven by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This results in clear distinctions between the rainy and dry seasons, with the majority of the rainfall concentrated in Kiremt and Belg. The complex interplay between these climatic factors and the country’s agro-climatic zones presents both opportunities and challenges for agriculture, underscoring the need for effective planning and adaptation strategies to maximize the land’s potential.

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