Current ecological scenario of some Rift Valley lakes of Ethiopia: A review
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Abstract
Lakes Ziway and Abijata are found in the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley and form a complex and vulnerable hydrological system with unique ecological characteristics; they are well-known for their biodiversity. The most important components of the water resources of the lakes are precipitation and river inflow and the lakes are used for smallholder to large scale agriculture, domestic water use, fishery, industrial water use and associated eco-tourism. Due to the suitability of environmental conditions and other infrastructures in the area, different organizations have started development projects in the area. The major threats that are common and need due attention are water use conflict; unplanned land use; pollution; deforestation; urbanization and population migration for the demand of resources; wetlands fragmentation and others. Recent water abstractions for irrigation and soda ash production have drastically changed both the lake level and its ecology. Thus, issues of appropriate management systems are urgently needed for sustainable development of the resources.
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References
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