Exploring the Application of Zeolite Technology in Ethiopia: A Path to Sustainable Agriculture Development

Abstract

Ethiopia faces significant agricultural challenges, including soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and water scarcity, which threaten food security and sustainable development. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions to enhance soil health, conserve water resources, and improve crop productivity. This bibliographic review systematically explores the potential of zeolite technology as a tool for tackling these challenges in Ethiopia. Studies sourced from databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and AGRIS, were analyzed, with 123 articles selected on the basis of relevance, credibility, and data support. Zeolite technology offers multiple benefits, including reducing nutrient leaching by 65%–86%, increasing soil pH levels from 7.05 to 8.12 with a 7.5 t ha⁻¹ zeolite application, and improving grain yields by 15.9%–31.8% across crops like rice, barley, and maize with a 10 t ha⁻¹ application. Despite these advantages, the adoption of zeolite technology in Ethiopia remains limited. This review highlights the need for field trials to assess crop-specific responses and socio-economic impacts. If the identified research gaps are addressed, zeolite technology could become an essential component of Ethiopia's agricultural toolkit, enabling farmers to improve productivity, adapt to climate variability, and achieve sustainable food security. Its adoption could transform farming systems, contributing to Ethiopia's resilience against environmental stresses and supporting long-term agricultural development.