Kamashi Zone

Kamashi is one of the three Zones in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of Ethiopia. Kamashi coverss part of the southern bank of the Abay and the valley of the Didessa Rivers; it is bordered on the south and east by the Oromia Region, on the west by the Dabus River which separates it from Asosa and on the north by Metekel and the Amhara Region, which lie on the further bank of the Abay.

Demographics

Based on figures from the Central Statistical Agency in 2005, this zone has an estimated total population of 67,361, of whom 34,150 were males and 33,211 were females. With an estimated area of 8,850.96 square kilometers, Kamashi has an estimated population density of 7.61 people per square kilometer. [ [http://www.csa.gov.et/text_files/2005_national_statistics.htm CSA 2005 National Statistics] , Table B.3] Information is lacking on the towns of this zone.

According to a May 24, 2004 World Bank memorandum, none of the inhabitants of Kamashi have access to electricity, this zone has a road density of 21.2 kilometers per 1000 square kilometers, the average rural household has 1.2 hectare of land (compared to the national average of 1.01 hectare of land and an average of 2.25 for pastoral Regions) [Comparative national and regional figures comes from the World Bank publication, [http://econ.worldbank.org/external/default/main?ImgPagePK=64202990&entityID=000094946_03032704080562&menuPK=64168175&pagePK=64210502&theSitePK=477938&piPK=64210520 Klaus Deininger et al. "Tenure Security and Land Related Investment", WP-2991] (accessed 23 March 2006). This publication defines Benishangul-Gumuz, Afar and Somali as "pastoral Regions".] and the equivalent of 0.3 heads of livestock. 15.4% of the population is in non-farm related jobs, compared to the national average of 25% and an average of 28% for pastoral Regions. 84% of the zone is exposed to malaria, and 100% to Tsetse fly. The memorandum gave this zone a drought risk rating of 387. [ [http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTETHIOPIA/Resources/PREM/FourEthiopiasrev6.7.5.May24.pdf World Bank, "Four Ethiopias: A Regional Characterization"] (accessed 23 March 2006).]

Woredas

*Agalo Mite
*Belo Jegonfoy
*Kamashi
*Sirba Abbay
*Yaso

Notes