guide 2000 English.pub - SNNPR Investment Expansion Process

52BASKETO SPECIAL WOREDABasketo is one of the eight special woredas that are found in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, andPeoples Regional State (SNNPRS). The principal town of the woreda is Laska, which is located atabout 348 Km. from the regional capital, Awasa in the southwestern part of the region and 563kmsfrom the federal capital, Addis Ababa. The total land area of the woreda is 407.5 Sq. Km.According to the regional statistical abstract (1999 E.C), the projected population of Basketo woreda is,47125. The major economic activity of the population is mixed agriculture that includes crop andlivestock production. Limited proportion of the population relies on small trade and service activities.The climate and drainage of the woreda is conducive for the development of irrigation farms.Agriculture is the major economic and livelihood system of the woreda. The agricultural activities inthe woreda are mainly dependent on rainfall. As a result, the special woreda was not able to producesufficient food for consumption in the woreda although the prevailing rivers would offer a goodopportunity to enhance irrigated agriculture.The woreda has good potential for echo-tourism development. There are attractive land scenery andcolorful cultures unique to the community. Unexplored but high economic value minerals such as goldand iron are available in the woreda.Social services and existing infrastructure facilities are weak. There are poor road networks connectingthe kebeles with the woreda capital and connecting woreda to other neighboring woredas.Telecommunication facilities are underdeveloped and the majority of the woreda population dependson traditional energy sources, which have adverse impact on the environment. Mainly the poorinfrastructure facilities have hampered the development of trade and industry in the woreda. Education,health and potable water provisions are also inadequate in terms of quality and coverage.Basketo special woreda has wide variety and untapped potential resources for development andinvestment activities. The population characteristics, the land area, cultural setup of the community andother topographic features are all vital for future development interventions.In addition to the cereals, pulses and root crops, there are highly demanded markeTable crops such as coffee,Spices (affaramom, ginger, “tikur Azmud” and “Hel”), fruits and banana. Unique genetic resources are found inthe woreda such as: organic coffee, gum trees (incense and rubber) and forest honey. The livestock populationand the availability of grazing lands are potential for the development of modern livestock production activities.MAY 2008AWASSA