Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Ethiopian Conservation Practices: An Investigative Review

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in Ethiopia is a rich repository of indigenous practices that have been developed over centuries to manage natural resources sustainably. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with a thematic analysis of existing literature on TEK application in conservation efforts across Ethiopia. Interview data revealed that TEK is predominantly used in pastoralist communities for managing water resources, highlighting its significant role in drought-resistant practices (85% of respondents reported using TEK for water management). Traditional ecological knowledge significantly contributes to sustainable land and resource management in Ethiopia, particularly among pastoralists who rely on it for effective drought mitigation strategies. Integrating TEK into formal conservation policies can enhance the effectiveness of current practices by fostering community engagement and adaptive management approaches. The empirical specification follows Y=β₀+β^ X+ε, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.