In the 1930s, more than 30% of Ethiopia consisted of forests, but that total has fallen to 13%. Boswellia and species of commiphora produce gums used as the basis for frankincense and myrrh, respectively. A species of acacia is a source of gum arabic. Eucalyptus stands, introduced in the 19th century, are a valuable source of firewood, furniture, and poles. Roundwood production was an estimated 89.9 million cu m (3.2 billion cu ft) in 2000; all but 2.5 million cu m (88 million cu ft) was for fuel.
Deforestation is the main reason for the drought cause as the then land tenure system was creating complacency towards few owners as they felt they had enough land. The society was also careless and no ownership to care or to be responsible. The fuedal land ownership system is a major reason for environmental degredation then.
Later on, the popoulation growth with less concious on environmental protection contributed for speedy loss of our forest.
Government policy with main emphasis of ownership of land and environmental awareness creation backed by school curriculum as well as media environmental issue coverage poicy requires to be designed so as society becomes protector of its own future with regards to afforestation and its environmental effects.
If we do not act now and tomorrow the efect will be irreverseable.
Elias N. Mohammed