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Land-use changes by large-scale plantations and their effects on soil organic carbon, micronutrients and bulk density: empirical evidence from Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Maru Shete

    (The African Studies Centre
    St. Mary’s University)

  • Marcel Rutten

    (The African Studies Centre
    Radbound University)

  • George C. Schoneveld

    (Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR))

  • Eylachew Zewude

    (St. Mary’s University)

Abstract

This article examines land-use changes by large-scale plantations in Ethiopia and evaluates the impacts thereof on soil organic carbon, micronutrients and bulk density. Remote sensing analysis and field research activities were undertaken at four large-scale plantation projects in Benshanguel Gumuz, Gambella, and Oromia regional states. Results show that the projects largely involved the conversion of both closed and open to closed forests and grasslands, which in turn reduced soil carbon stock and micronutrient levels and increased soil compaction. We argue that unless appropriate soil management activities and impact mitigation strategies are adopted by plantation proponents, these land-use changes will pose a serious threat to the long-term economic viability and sustainability of plantation agriculture in Ethiopia. This could undermine long-term ecosystem health and national food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Maru Shete & Marcel Rutten & George C. Schoneveld & Eylachew Zewude, 2016. "Land-use changes by large-scale plantations and their effects on soil organic carbon, micronutrients and bulk density: empirical evidence from Ethiopia," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 33(3), pages 689-704, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:33:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s10460-015-9664-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-015-9664-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wendy Wolford & Saturnino M. Borras Jr. & Ruth Hall & Ian Scoones & Ben White & Wendy Wolford & Saturnino M. Borras Jr. & Ruth Hall & Ian Scoones & Ben White, 2013. "Governing Global Land Deals: The Role of the State in the Rush for Land," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 44(2), pages 189-210, March.
    2. Klaus Deininger & Derek Byerlee & Jonathan Lindsay & Andrew Norton & Harris Selod & Mercedes Stickler, 2011. "Rising Global Interest in Farmland : Can it Yield Sustainable and Equitable Benefits?," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 2263.
    3. Daemon Fairless, 2007. "Biofuel: The little shrub that could - maybe," Nature, Nature, vol. 449(7163), pages 652-655, October.
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