Political Science

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a landlocked country so it is impossible to assess their policies in regards to oceanic environment. However, it is notable that in other bodies of water such as lakes and river and even their ground water, Ethiopia experienced problems that concerns the growing level of pollution for these bodies of water. Some of the areas that greatly suffered in this scheme is the capital city, Addis Addaba. Recent reports shows that the capital city of Ethiopia suffers the contamination of its ground water system due to the increase number of septic tanks, defective sewerage lines, open dumps, land application and surface impoundments (Adelana  MacDonald 261).

The growing and spreading problem of the bodies of water in Ethiopia such as lakes and the ground water system are largely due to destructible human activities and lack of action plan from the government itself. Until now there is no existing monitoring systems for the bodies of water in Ethiopia. Basically this the continuous or periodic collection, organization and analyses of data and information for purposes of effective management of lake waters. Due to the absence of this kind of vital information, officials will have a difficulty in assessing the necessary course of actions. (Gebre-Mariam)

It is also important to note that Ethiopia does not have viable laws directed on water conservation.  Even the lakes that are protected within a national park are significantly degrading. Although the Ethiopian Parliament has recently approved legislation on environmental protection, and an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has been established, no actions that warrant protection of the lakes have been taken as yet. (Gebre-Mariam)

Ethiopia is a country that does not depend on any form of nuclear generators. Almost 90 of its power demand is extracted from renewable energy resources primarily biomass and fuel woods. The remaining power demand is extracted from the fossil fuels (Earth Trends 1). In addition, it is important to note that in 2006 Ethiopia is the 135th country to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear test Ban Treaty (CTBT). CTBT prohibits the explosive testing of nuclear weapons (Aftergood).

The only growing concern in Ethiopia that deals with the radioactive or nuclear waste is the toxic waste materials dumping in its neighboring country of Somalia. In 2007, many allegations had rose regarding the alleged deal between the Somali leaders and some of the leading pharmaceutical companies to dump their medical wastes in Somali. Many reports are now showing that there are increase numbers of cancer patients, deformed births and other illnesses in Somalia and this is blamed to the dumping of the medical wastes (Said). Though it may not be immediately affected by the wastes, this will remain a concern for the Ethiopians especially in the long run.

During crisis, the Ethiopian government is unable to resolve the situation by itself primarily due to the lack of resources. In the 1984 famine for example together with the ongoing food and water shortages today due to poor or failed rains, Ethiopia only manage to survived because of the aids from foreign countries especially the United States. Foreign aids are mostly in the form of food packages which is purchased abroad rather than from the local market.  The 1984 famine for example was hid in the public until a news from the BBC exposed the situation. However, it is too late for some Ethiopians. This results to deaths of one million Ethiopians. (Oxfam  USAID). The country cannot solve its own crisis by itself.

Ethiopia has no oceans therefore it is impossible to assess its policies or future actions on it however Ethiopia houses different bodies of water. (Adelana  MacDonald 261)

Ethiopia has a weak legislations and plans of actions in regards to the control of pollution in ground waters system and other bodies of water and this will most likely to continue until international pressures and sanctions are applied. (Adelana, MacDonald   Gebre-Mariam)

No monitoring system on environment exists in Ethiopia. (Gebre-Mariam)

During times of crisis like famine or epidemic outbreak, the state will be unlikely able to address the crisis due to its limitation of resources. (Oxfam  USAID)

Most likely, the international community especially the United States and United Nations will come to aid to address the problem and rescue the citizens in case of crisis. (Oxfam  USAID)

In terms of nuclear generators, Ethiopia will most likely shift its attention to other means of generating power due to its condemnation of nuclear use and the availability of other alternative sources such as hydroelectricity. (Aftergood)

Policy Paper 2
It was reported by the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia (1-5) that the Ethiopian populations access to power is only 16 in 2005 and 20 in 2007. This will also be reduced dramatically when put in to consideration that the report was based on the laid power grid in the country. It is important to note that not all of the population can avail electricity because of the poverty in the area. It was reported that the real access to electricity in Ethiopia is only 6. This is relatively low when compared to other countries in the Sub-Saharan regions which average access to power is 26. In this relatively low demand for power, 90 is extracted from renewable means which are primarily hydroelectric power generators. Only about 10 is demanded from oils or fossil fuels (Earth Trends 1).

From here, we can conclude that the country will be barely affected if there will be a blockage or sudden shortage supply of oil in the world market. Ethiopia can most likely to sustain its self with its demand on power through renewable sources like hydroelectric power generators.

However, as stated above, the country is dependent to ample amount of water supply or high amount of rainfall to sustain its capability to be self sufficient. Concern will rise if we put in to the equation the dry seasons or drought that is experienced lately by Ethiopia which brings numerous cases of brownouts in the country.

As a solution in this growing problem, it was reported by Workeneh Gashie that the Government of Ethiopia had designed a five year power sector plan spanning the period 200506 to 200910. The Plan aims at adding 2,093 MW to the existing power supply mainly through large-scale hydro power plants. In the power generating plan, alternative resources such as coal and wind power are expected to account for 100 MW and 60 MW.

According to Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty, Ethiopia is planning to be a middle income country in 20-30 years and this can only be achieved through strong industrial development since Ethiopia is not an oil producing country (Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia 1). Taking this in mind, it is expected that Ethiopia will not able to achieve its industrialization with their current means of producing power. We can conclude that if Ethiopia can pursue its track for development, Ethiopia will soon rely on oil to meets its future demand for power.

Ethiopia does not rely heavily on the supply of oil to power their nation. (Earth Trends 1-5)

Ethiopia will be unlikely affected by the shortage in supply of oil. (Earth Trends 1-5  Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia 1)

Ethiopia is not an oil producing country.  (Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia 1-4)

Ethiopias power demand is satisfied through their use of renewable resources such as hydroelectric generators. Other traditional methods for powering the country are the use of firewood and biomass. (Earth Trends 1)

The problem of Ethiopia energy sector is not on shortage supply oil but rather to the unproductive hydroelectric power generating system due to droughts and little rainfall experienced by the country.  (Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia 1-4)

This situation is addressed by the Ethiopian government by building bigger and taller dams that will supply electricity. (Gashia)

The government of Ethiopia recently entered a deal that it will export electricity to supply the energy demand of Kenya. (Financial Post 5)