Land Accounts for Ethiopia (2013-2022) : First Edition

Overview & Synopsis

This report presents Ethiopia’s first national land accounts, covering the period 2013 to 2022 and developed using the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework. The accounts establish a foundation for Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) in Ethiopia and provide a comprehensive assessment of land cover changes at both the national level and within the Abay (Blue Nile) and Awash River Basins. The study integrates satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, field verification, and national datasets to classify land cover and quantify changes across major land-use categories. The findings reveal significant shifts in land use and land cover over the decade, including substantial expansion of annual and perennial croplands, growth in forest and built-up areas, and declines in shrublands and some grassland types. These changes reflect the combined influence of population growth, agricultural development, urbanization, environmental restoration initiatives, and evolving land management practices. The accounts also highlight regional variations in land cover dynamics within the Abay and Awash river basins, providing valuable insights into local development and environmental pressures. By organizing environmental and economic information within a standardized accounting framework, the report demonstrates how land accounts can support evidence-based policymaking in agriculture, forestry, biodiversity conservation, climate action, water resource management, urban planning, and sustainable development. The report concludes that land accounts provide an essential platform for integrating natural capital considerations into national planning and establishes a basis for future ecosystem, water, and environmental accounting initiatives in Ethiopia.