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Correct Chapter Three

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11 views2 pages

Correct Chapter Three

Uploaded by

Abel Abera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER THREE

THE TOPOGRAPHY OF GAMBELLA REGION

3.1 Introduction

The topography of the Gambella region is largely determined by the geological activities of the Cenozoic
Era. These put into place must have damage to volcanic rocks- basalt and other igneous formations.

General Characteristics of The Physiography of the Gambella Region

Standing in western Ethiopia, the Gambela region encompasses lowland plains and wetlands.
Reportedly, much of the terrain is flat between altitudes of around 400-550 masl. The higher areas one
that goes to around 2000 meters elevation-are near the eastern border, whereas the region is bounded
by rivers like Baro and Akobo.

3.2 Physiographic Divisions of Gambella Region

By the structure, and divisions realized due to the geological processes of the Cenozoic, the major
physiographic forms are three in number within the Gambella region. These are:

• Western lowlands

• Eastern Highlands

• Riverine plains

3.2.1 The Western Lowland

The western lowland dominates the region characterized by flat lowland plains and wetlands and
elevations range from 400-500 masl. It covers approximately 29,783 square kilometers. That forms part
of the Ethio-Sudanese border and includes the capital city of the region it is located between the Baro
and Akobo Rivers and Includes Gambella on the western part.

3.2.2 The Eastern Highland

The eastern highland of Gambella region is mainly located Anywaa zone and particularly in the Majang
zone. The Elevation of the area ranges from 500-2685 masl. The Eastern Highlands of Gambela region
feature a varied landscape characterized by rolling hills and gentle slopes. Elevations gradually rise
towards the eastern border, reaching approximately 2000 meters in the easternmost areas.

3.2.3 The Riverine Plains

For the most part, Gambella, a region in the western part of Ethiopia, boasts flat riverine plains within
the Baro River and the tributaries. The riverside wetlands constitute part of the greater physiographic
entity known as the Western Lowlands, covering some 11% of the total area of Ethiopia. The combined
elevation of the Western Lowlands, including Gambella plains, ranges from 500 meters above sea level
to 1,000 meters above sea level. 3.3 Effect of Relief on Biophysical and Socio-Economic Conditions

Agricultural Practices
Relief features greatly influence agricultural practices: topography largely determines what crops are
grown and how they are farmed. On steep slopes, certain crops may be limited although more intense
agriculture is possible on flat lands. Much depends on soil erosion risk which itself varies according to
the steepness of the slope and therefore affects tillage practice and crop rotations.

Settlements

It mostly depended on access to water and transport routes where settlements were located, although
relief affected settlement patterns: flat areas generally favored settlements because it was easier to
establish them relative to the topography. The steep slopes would perhaps lead to terraced or hillside
settlements, hence changing traditional house designs.

Transport and communication

Relief affects transport and communication: mountain roads consume more energy to travel, thus
making it restrictive for movement. Flat lands, on the other hand, promote easy development of roads
and railways. The changeable conditions of terrain affect the propagation of radio signals, in turn
affecting communication infrastructure.

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