ABSTRACT
In this chapter the study area of Illubabor in South-western Ethiopia and the nature of its wetland resources are introduced. Despite receiving little national or international attention, the relatively small valley bottom wetlands located in the south-western highlands are of critical importance to many rural communities in terms of the range of natural and socio-economic benefits they provide. In view of this importance, there has been some concern over the possible effects of an intensification in wetland use, particularly towards their drainage for agriculture. Where this intensification in wetland use seems to have occurred, reports suggest that the benefits have been short-lived and mostly unsustainable.
