The study was conducted in 2006/07 in Metema district, North Gondar Zone of Amhara

region, Ethiopia, with the objectives to characterize the existing rangeland and to

determine the feed resources utilization practices, to assess the natural grazing land

condition based on herbaceous, woody and soil condition and to evaluate the chemical

Rangeland resources are among the most important – and almost certainly the most neglected – agro ecosystem component in dry areas. They are the largest land-use category, home to the poorest segment of the population, and crucial for millions of small-scale livestock producers. The availability of grazing resources for livestock in the world’s drylands is low and erratic due to the recurrent droughts in which animals can often fall victim.