Forest Resources (3)

To a great degree, the type and density of the natural forest (vegetation) of Ethiopia reflect its rainfall and temperature distribution patterns, although human use (and misuse) has drastically altered its structure and composition. It has been estimated that the natural vegetation of the country, before manmade changes became significant, consisted of 34% forest (covering most of the highlands), 20 % woodland and tree savanna, and 32% grassland and steppe. Today only 3-4% of the land is in forest, 8% in woodland. Cultivated land has largely replaced forest and development projects contributed their share by clear felling as is the case for the Gilgel Gibe Hydroelectric dam construction