Impact of Rice Expansion on Traditional Wetland Management in the Tropical Highlands of Ethiopia

Despite the fact that rice was only recently brought to Ethiopia, Ethiopian government has dubbed it “millennium crop” because of its importance as a food security crop, well source revenue and job possibilities. Rice production is being practiced on wetland areas floodplains; however, no attention been given sustainability these wetlands, or integration different previous indigenous activities, such livestock rearing farming crops in area. This study aims investigate impact expansion traditional management Fogera floodplain wetlands Lake Tana basin. Data were generated via interviews application GIS remote sensing. The survey questionnaire administered 385 rice-producing farmers. respondents (87%) confirmed increases price encouraged them shift from cultivation conventional farming. Subsequently, between years 1973 2014, have reduced 3114 ha 1060 ha, accompanied by high rate Major activities pursued area do not consider environmental impacts. As result, diverse ecosystem services available past compromised through time. Sense ownership resources their benefit shall be communicated reduce abusive utilization. Therefore, policies, strategies, development implementation need issues enhancement endeavors.