Mattu University

College of Social Science and Humanities

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Program Freshman common course
Course codes GeES1011
Course Title Geography of Ethiopia and the horn
Course Credit 3
Course Target Group: Freshman students
Information Year: I Semester: I
Contact Day: --------------Contact Time: ------Meeting Location/Room: --------------
Module Name Geography of Ethiopia and the horn

Prerequisite of None
the Course

Instructor details Name: …………………….Office: ……………………Phone...............

Email: …………………... Office hour: ………………….
Contact Hours ECTS Lecture Tutorial Home Group Total
Study work
5 48 - 67 20 87
Course The Geography of Ethiopia and the Horn is intended to familiarize students with the
Description basic geographic concepts particularly in relation to Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
It is also meant to provide students a sense of place and time (geographic literacy) that
are pivotal in producing knowledgeable and competent citizens who are able to
comprehend and analyze spatial problems and contribute to their solutions. To be
geographically illiterate is to deny oneself not only the ability to comprehend spatial
problems but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of
policies for dealing with them. As such, the course provides an opportunity for the
reader to understand the implications of the location, shape and size of Ethiopia, as
well as the country’s physical and human resources diversity and abundance on its
socioeconomic development. The course consists of four parts. The first part provides
a brief description on the location, shape and size of Ethiopia as well as basic skills of
reading maps. Part two introduces the physical background and natural resource
endowment of Ethiopia and the Horn which includes its geology and mineral
resources, topography, climate, drainage and water resources, soil, fauna and flora.
The third part of the course focuses on the demographic characteristics of the country
and its implications on economic development. The fourth component of the course
offers treatment of the various economic activities of Ethiopia and the Horn which
include agriculture, manufacturing and the service sectors. Moreover, Ethiopia in a
globalizing world is treated in the perspectives of the pros and cons of globalization
 Contents of the Course

Weeks Contents of the course Course Learning Outcome (CLO)

Chapter One: Introduction  Define the key concept of geography and articulate its meaning,
1&2
1.1. Geography: Definition, Scope and Themes scope, and core themes (Remember, conginitve level I).
1.1.1. Meaning of Geography  Explain the various approaches to studying geography and
1.1.2. The Scope, Approaches and Themes of Geography discuss how its themes are applied in real-world contexts
1.2. Location, Shape and Size of Ethiopia and the Horn (Understand, conginitve level II)
1.2.1. Location of Ethiopia  Analyze the implications of Ethiopia’s shape and size on its
1.2.2. Size of Ethiopia regional interactions and geographic challenges (Analyze,
1.2.3. The shape of Ethiopia and its Implication conginitve level III)
1.3. Basic Skills of Map Reading  Evaluate map reading principles to accurately locate and analyze
1.3.1. Basic Principles of Map Reading geographic information (Analyze, conginitve level III)
 Demonstrate basic map reading skills by interpreting essential
map elements(Apply, conginitve level IV)
3&4 Chapter Two: The Geology of Ethiopia and The Horn  Define and describe the basic concepts in geology (Remember,
2. 1. Introduction cognitive level I)
2.2. Origin of the Universe: The Big Bang Theory  Explain the roles of endogenic and exogenic forces in geologic
2.3. The Theory of Continental Drift processes and analyze how these forces shape the landforms of
2.4. The Geologic Processes: Endogenic and Exogenic Forces Ethiopia and the Horn region (Understand, cognitive level I)
2.5. The Geological Time Scale and Age Dating Techniques  Assess the rock and mineral resources of Ethiopia by critically
2.5.1. Age Dating Techniques evaluating current data on the main minerals and identifying
2.6. Geological Processes and the Resulting Landforms of potential mineral sites (Analyze, cognitive level IV)
Ethiopia and the Horn  Compare and contrast the geological processes of the
2.6.1. The Precambrian Era Geologic Processes Precambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras, and
2.6.2. The Paleozoic Era Geologic Processes evaluate their respective contributions to the current landforms
2.6.3. The Mesozoic Era Geologic Processes of Ethiopia and the Horn (Evaluate, cognitive level V)
2.6.4. The Cenozoic Era Geologic Processes
2.7. Rock and Mineral Resources of Ethiopia
2.7.1. Brief Facts and Current State of Main Minerals in
Ethiopia
2.7.2. Mineral Potential Sites of Ethiopia
5&6 Chapter Three: The Topography Of Ethiopia and The  Describe the major physiographic divisions of Ethiopia and the
Horn Horn of Africa (Remembering, cognitive level I)
3.1. Introduction  Explain the distinguishing characteristics of the Western
3.2. Physiographic Divisions Highlands and Lowlands, Southeastern Highlands and
3.2. The Western Highlands and Lowlands Lowlands, and the Rift Valley (Understanding, cognitive level
 3.3. The Southeastern Highlands and Lowlands II)
3.4. The Rift Valley  Analyze how Ethiopia’s diverse topography influences climate,
3.5. The Impacts of Relief on Biophysical and soil fertility, and water availability in different regions
Socioeconomic Conditions (Application, cognitive level V)
 Assess the positive and negative impacts of Ethiopia’s relief on
agriculture, settlement patterns, and infrastructure development
(Evaluation, cognitive level V)

7&8 Chapter Four: Drainage Systems And Water  Describe the major drainage systems of Ethiopia (
Resources Of Ethiopia Understanding, cognitive level II )
4.1. Introduction  Differentiate between Ethiopia’s major river basins, lakes, and
4.2. Major Drainage System of Ethiopia groundwater systems based on their geographical distribution,
4.3. Water Resources: Rivers, Lakes and Sub-Surface Water hydrological characteristics, and significance (Understanding,
4.3.1. The Ethiopian Rivers cognitive level II)
4.3.2. The Ethiopian Lakes  Examine the factors influencing the availability, distribution, and
4.3.3. Subsurface (Ground) Water Resource of Ethiopia seasonal variations of Ethiopia’s water resources (Analyzing,
4.4. Water Resources Potentials and Development in Ethiopia cognitive level III)
 Assess the potential of Ethiopia’s water resources for economic
and social development, considering challenges such as water
scarcity, pollution, and management issues (Evaluating,
cognitive level V)
9 & 10 Chapter Five: The Climate of Ethiopia and The Horn  Define key concepts related to weather and climate and explain
5.1. Introduction the major controls of weather and climate in Ethiopia and the
5.2. Elements and Controls of Weather and Climate Horn ( Remembering, cognitive level I)
5.2.1. Controls of Weather and Climate  Explain the factors influencing the spatio-temporal variation of
5.3. Spatiotemporal Patterns and Distribution of Temperature weather and climate elements (Understanding, cognitive level
and Rainfall in Ethiopia II)
5.3.1. Spatiotemporal Distribution of Temperature  Analyze the spatial and temporal variations in temperature and
5.5. Climate Change/Global Warming: Causes, Consequences rainfall across Ethiopia and explain the factors influencing these
and Response Mechanisms variations (Analyzing, cognitive level III)
5.5.1. Current Trends of Climate in Ethiopia  Evaluate the consequences of climate change in Ethiopia,
5.5.2. Causes of Climate Change including its effects on ecosystems, agriculture, water resources,
5.5.3. Consequences of Climate Change and livelihoods (Evaluating, cognitive level V)
5.5.4. Climate Response Mechanisms  Propose effective climate response mechanisms, including
adaptation and mitigation strategies, to enhance resilience
against climate change in Ethiopia (Creating, VI)
11 & 12 Chapter Six: Soils, natural vegetation and wildlife  Identify and describe the major soil types, natural vegetation
resources of Ethiopia and the horn zones, and wildlife resources of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa
6.1. Introduction (Remembering, cognitive level I)
6.2. Ethiopian Soils: Types, Degradation and Conservation  Analyze the causes and impacts of soil degradation, vegetation
6.2.2. Major Soil Types in Ethiopia loss, and wildlife depletion in Ethiopia (Analyzing, cognitive
6.2.2. Soil Degradation level IV)
6.2.4. Soil Erosion Control Measures  Evaluate the challenges of soil conservation, forest degradation,
6.3. Natural Vegetation of Ethiopia and wildlife protection in Ethiopia, considering policy,
6.3.3. Natural vegetation Degradation socioeconomic, and environmental factors (Evaluating,
6.3.2. Natural Vegetation Conservation cognitive level V)
6.4. Wild Life/wild animals in Ethiopia  Propose integrated strategies for sustainable soil management,
6.4.2. Wildlife Conservation forest conservation, and wildlife protection in Ethiopia
6.4.3. Challenges of wildlife conservation in Ethiopia (Creating, cognitive level VI)

13 & 14 Chapter Seven: Population of Ethiopia and The Horn  Describe key population data sources, demographic
measurements, and major population dynamics (fertility,
7.1. Introduction
mortality, and migration) in Ethiopia and the Horn
7.2. Population Data: Uses and Sources
(Remembering, cognitive I)
7.3. Population Dynamics: Fertility, Mortality and
 Analyze the factors influencing population distribution and
Migration
settlement patterns in Ethiopia, considering geographical,
7.3.1. Demographic Measurements economic, and social determinants (Analyzing, cognitive level
 7.3.2. Levels and trends in Fertility and Mortality rates in V)

Ethiopia  Evaluate the socio-cultural aspects of Ethiopia’s population,

including education, health, and linguistic diversity, and their
7.3.3. Migration in Ethiopia and the Horn
influence on human development (Evaluating, cognitive level
7.5. Population Distribution in Ethiopia
V)
7.5.1. Measures of Population Distribution  Propose policies and strategies for managing population
7.5.2. Factors Affecting Population Distribution in growth, improving human development indicators, and ensuring
Ethiopia balanced settlement patterns in Ethiopia (Creating, cognitive

7.6. Socio-cultural Aspects of Ethiopian Population: level VI)

Education, Health and Languages

7.6.1. Education Health

7.6.3. Languages Families and Languages of Ethiopia

7.7. Settlement Types and Patterns

7.7.1. Types of Settlement

15 & 16 Chapter Eight: Economic Activities in Ethiopia  Describe the major economic activities in Ethiopia, including

8.1. Introduction mining, forestry, fishery, agriculture, manufacturing, and the

8.2. Mining Activity in Ethiopia service sector (Remembering, cognitive level I)

8.3. Forestry  Analyze the contributions, potentials, and challenges of

8.4. Fishery Ethiopia’s agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors to the

8.5. Agriculture in Ethiopia national economy (Analyzing, cognitive level IV)

8.5.2. Contributions, potentials and characteristics of  Evaluate the major challenges facing Ethiopia’s economic
agriculture in Ethiopia sectors, such as agricultural constraints, industrialization
8.5.3. Agriculture Systems in Ethiopia barriers, and limitations in transportation and tourism
8.5.4. Major problems of Ethiopian agriculture (Evaluating, cognitive level V)
8.6. Manufacturing Industry in Ethiopia  Propose strategies for enhancing sustainable economic
8.6.2. Types and characteristics of manufacturing development in Ethiopia, including solutions for improving
8.6.3. The Spatial Distribution of Manufacturing agriculture, expanding manufacturing, and boosting the service
Industries in Ethiopia sector (Creating, cognitive level VI)
8.7. The Service Sector in Ethiopia
8.7.2. Transportation and communication in Ethiopia:
types, roles and characteristics
8.7.4. Tourism in Ethiopia: Types, major tourist
attraction sites, challenges and prospects
References

Addis, E. (2014). International Migration in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities. In [Link]

[Link] (ed.). International Migration and Development in Eastern and Southern
Africa. Addis Ababa: Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern
Africa.
Adugna, A. (1987). The Population of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa University.: IDR.
Aherns, C., & Henson, R. (2019). Meteorology Today. An introduction to Weather, Climate, and
the Environment. Bosto, USA: Ceanage [Link].
Altes, C. (2018). Analysis of Tourism Value in Ethiopia.
Assefa, M.J. . (2014). Research Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Management.
Bekele, A. (2007). Useful Trees and Shrubs for Ethiopia: Indication, Propagation and
Management of 17 Agro climatic Zones . Kenya: RELMA in ICRAF Project.
Bekure, W. ((1982, 83). ). Unpublished Teaching Material for the Geography of Ethiopia.
Bekure, W. (1981). Some Spatial Characteristics of Peasant Farming in Ethiopia.
Berhanu, B., Seleshi, Y., & Melesse, A. M. (2014). Nile River Basin. Switzerland : Springer
International Publishing.
Bililegn D. (2016). Unpublished Teaching Material prepared for Economic Geography of
Ethiopia. Hawassa: Hawassa University.
Newton C., A. (2007). Forest Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques. New
York: Oxford Univrsity Press.
CSA. (1997). FDRE Ethiopia: Statistical Abstract. Addis Ababa.: CSA.
Central Statistical Agency. (2016). Agricultural sample survey Key findings. Addis Ababa: CSA.
CSA. (2017). 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey Key Findings. . Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, and Rockville, Maryland, [Link] and ICF.: Central Statistical Agency
(CSA) [Ethiopia] and ICF. 2017.
CSA. (2017). Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016. Addis Ababa. Available from:
[Link] pdf. Central Statistcal Agency.
Daneil, G. (1977). Aspects of Climate and Water Budget in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa
University Press.
EMA. (1988). National Atlas. Addis Ababa.

Emnet Y., Kassaye A. & Solomom C. (2012). Economic Geography of Ethiopia: Teaching
Module. Jimma: Jimma University.
Engles, J., Hawkes, J., & Worede, M. (2002). Plant Genetic Resource of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia: Cambridge University Press.
European Comission. (2015). A Study on Smuggling of Migrants: Characteristics, Responses
and Cooperation with Third Countries. Brussels: European Commission.
FAO. (1984). Assistance to Land Use Planning. Provsional Soil Association Map of Ethiopia
(1:2,000,000). Addis Ababa.
FAO. (2015). Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. 76-85.
Gebreeyesus, M. (2018). Industrial policy and development in Ethiopia.
GSE. (2019, August 27). Geological Survey Ethiopia (GSE). Retrieved from GSE:
[Link]
ICMPD. (2008). International Centre for Migration Policy Development: East Africa Migration
Route Initiative Gaps & Needs Analysis Project Country Reports: Ethiopia, Kenya,
Libya. Vienna.
International Labour Organization. (2013). Global Employment Trends, International Labour
Office, Geneva.
Ismail, E. &. (2012). Morpho-tectonic analysis of the Tekeze River and the Blue Nile drainage
systems on the Northwestern Plateau, Ethiopia. Journal of African Earth Sciences, , 69
(2012), 34–47. doi:DOI: 10.1016/[Link].2012.04.005
Kasahun, T. (2012). The Tourism Industry in Ethiopia. Mekelle: University, Ethiopia.
Mesfin [Link]. (1972). An Introductory Geography of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa : Addis Ababa
E.S.P. Press.
Ministry of Education. (2017). Education Statistics Annual Abstract, 2015/16, Addis Ababa.
Addis Ababa.
Ministry of Education. (2017). Ministry of Education (2017). Education Statistics Annual
Abstract, 2015/16, Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa.
Ministry of Mines. (2014). The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry Of Mines and
World Bank Group. Strategic Assessment of the Ethiopian Mineral Sector Final Report.
Ministry of Mines and Energy. (2015). National report on mining. Addis Ababa.

Ministry of Urban Development & Housing. (2015). National Urban Development Spatial Plan,
National Urban Systems Study - Final Report. Lyon.: Egis International in association
with IAU-IdF&Urba Lyon.
Mohr, P.A. (1960). The Geology of Ethiopia. Addis Abab: Addis Ababa University College
Press.
Morgan, R. (2005). Soil Erosion and Conservation. Blackwell Publishing. National Bank of
Ethiopia. (2019). Annual Report (2017/18). Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.
NRMRD-MoA. (1998). Agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Natural resources
management and regulation department of MOA.
Osman, K. T. (2014). Soil Degradation, Conservation and Remedies. Chittagong , Bangladesh:
Springer.
Pausewang, a. S. (1990). Ethiopia Rural Development Options.
Tafesse, A . (2016). The Historic Route in Ethiopian Tourism Development. African Journal of
Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 5(2).
Taye Mengistu, & Solomon Bellete. (1986). An overview of Ethiopia's Agricultural Production
and Agricultural Policies. Workshop on Food Strategies. Alemaya .
Tegene Teka , & Tennassie Nicola. (1984). Rural Poverty Alleviation in Ethiopia. UNIDO.
(2018). Industrial Park Development in Ethiopia Case Study Report.
W., F. M. (2016). Understanding Ethiopia: Geology and Scenery. Switzerland: Springer
International Publishing.
Weldesilassie, A. B. (2017). Study on Industrial Park Development: Issues, Practices and
Lessons for Ethiopia. EDRI Research Report 29.
Young, J. (2012). Ethiopian Protected Areas A ‘Snapshot’: A Reference Guide for Future
Strategic Planning and Project Funding.