guide 2000 English.pub - SNNPR Investment Expansion Process

47KONTA SPECIAL WOREDAKonta Special woreda is found in Southern Nation, Nationalities and People Regional State (SNNPRS)especially located in northern parts of the region. It is among the 8 special woredas and zones of theregion. Konta special woreda has an area of 2,196.8 Km 2 and an estimated total population of 89318 (in2007) of which 94 percent are rural.The climates of the special woreda are most favorable for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops likemaize, teff, sorghum, wheat, barley, bean, pea, oil seeds (sesame), vegetable and fruit. The altitudecontrols its climate condition. The average temperature varies from 15.1 o c to 27.5 o c while the annualrainfall ranges from 1401 to 1800mm.Konta special woreda has vast natural resources potential. One-third of the special woreda area iscovered by forest. The special woreda has fertile soil although under pressure due to human activities –often-unplanned activities.Maize, teff, sorghum, bean, pea, wheat, barley are the most widely cultivated crops. Oilseeds are alsogrown. Konta special woreda has a high potential in livestock resources and beehives. Animalhusbandry is the second most important livelihood of the population next to crop production.Generally, the economy of Konta special woreda is dominated by agriculture. However, productivity inthe peasant sector is of subsistence nature.With regard to mining, there is so far no mineral exploitation in the special woreda and its mineralpotential is not yet well known. Nevertheless, Iron Ore and black stone minerals are found in thespecial woreda.Why Invest in Konta Special Woreda Zone• Wide irrigable agricultural land area• High amount of rainfall & fertile land• Perennial rivers flowing through out the year• Availability of industrial raw materials• Labor availability• High demand for health & education services as compared to the supply• High demand for hotel & related service activitiesMAY 2008AWASSA