Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars |

In Ethiopia’s history its potent combination of high population growth, unsustainable land use, and ambiguous land ownership policies has led to the rapid loss of biomass and increase in soil erosion and desertification. Such environmental issues, intensified by climate change, have led to drought, famine, and population displacement. The Ethiopian government, donor agencies, community based organizations, and NGOs have made significant changes in the country, but many development practitioners fail to recognize the interdependence of population and environment issues. The country demands an integrated approach to see the most triumphant changes. As said by Mogues Worku, “if Ethiopia is to escape from poverty, all actors must consider how environmental conservation and family planning initiatives can increase the success of development efforts.”