Assessment of Environmental Security from the Standpoint of Threat to National Security: The Case of Ethiopia

Different researches have revealed that Ethiopia has a number of environmentally-related problems that threaten national security. The country loses up to 2-6 percent of annual crop production due to climate uncertainties, with drought being the main national environmental challenge. Ethiopia has a high country risk index of 7.38, one of the highest in Eastern Africa, which underlies a high level of potential risk for conflict, both within the country as well as in the region. Again, Ethiopia has an environmental score of 7.67 which is a high risk level. Generally speaking, therefore, Ethiopia is identified as a hot spot for environmental concern. The main objective of this article is to present and discuss evidence of conditions of local environmental insecurity against the background of international experiences. This is with a view to justifying whether the country should consider or not the environment as a priority in its national security policy making and strategic planning. The article recommends reappraisal of existing environmental laws to take serious cognizance of environmental security as a major component of national security. The government is called to pay greater commitment and determination by establishing environmental security departments in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of federal affairs as well create common working platform among these ministries to provide intelligence and better readiness to combat any perceived threats emanating from the environment. Key Words: Environmental Security, National Security, Institutions, Conflict, Policy