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Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes are crucial ecological and economic assets, supporting biodiversity, tourism and local livelihoods. However, these ecosystems face increasing threats from pollution, water abstraction and climate change. While several studies have evaluated their recreational value, inconsistent results have hampered cohesive conservation policies. This study addresses that issue by synthesising evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 primary studies on several major lakes: Hawassa, Tana, Ziway, Langano and Abijatta-Shalla. Using the travel cost method and contingent valuation method, a random-effects model calculated a pooled mean consumer surplus of 8. 92 per person per visit (95% Confidence interval CI: 7. 14, 10. 70). Significant heterogeneity (I2 = 78. 5%) indicated variation across lakes, which was examined via subgroup analysis. The subgroup analysis showed Lake Tana, with its historical and religious importance, had the highest recreational value, while ecologically stressed lakes like Ziway scored lower. Extrapolating these findings to annual visitors suggests the lakes generate a multi-million-dollar recreational industry each year. These findings offer a strong economic case for policymakers to shift from fragmented efforts towards a unified national lake conservation strategy. Protecting these ecosystems is an investment in Ethiopia’s natural capital and societal well-being, ensuring the sustainability of their ecological, cultural and economic benefits.
wogene Markos Dumo (Mon,) studied this question.