The Abay Beshilo Basin Livelihood Zone is a narrow, elongated area comprising the lowland (kola) parts of various woredas. The woredas with kebeles within the LZ are located in various administrative zones of the Amhara region: East Gojam (Aneded, Awabel, Baso Liben, Dejen, Enarj Enawga, Enbise Sar Midr, Enemay, Goncha Siso Enese, Guzamn, Hulet Ej Enese, Shebel Bereta), West Gojam, (Yilmana Densa); South Gonder (Dera, E & W Esite, Simada, Tach Gayint); and South Wollo (Debrasina, Mehal Sayint, Tenta, Wegde). The LZ runs beside the River Abay, and beside its tributary the Beshilo River and is a long distance from major roads and towns.
The information presented refers to September 2005-August 2006, a good year by local standards. Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in the economy, the information in this profile is expected to remain valid for approximately five years (i.e. until 2012).