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ABSTRACT
Drought which is hydro-meteorological hazard has remained the leading cause of disaster and human suffering in
Ethiopia in terms of frequency, area coverage and the number of people affected. The main objective of this study was to
examine the indigenous adaptive strategies of the pastoral communities to recurrent droughts on livelihood in Erer
Woreda, Somali Region. The study used structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focused groups
discussions to collect both quantitative and qualitative primary data. Secondary data sources were also used. The
multiple logistic regression model was utilized the quantitative data while qualitative information was arranged and
analyzed thematically. The results identified that the variables cause of drought, capacity to withhold drought, drought
management strategy, limited drought intervention, early warning drought preparedness and limited early warning
information were statistically significant. On the other hand, lacks of drought contingency and drought venerability were
statistically insignificant. The results also showed that climate change had a huge negative effect on the early recovery
progress. Loss of pasture accounted for 31% of the effects of drought on pastoral households while loss of water
accounted for 25%. Other effect of drought included loss of livestock, loss of income and loss of family members with
18%, 5% and 3% respectively. Post drought recovery strategies included livelihood diversification with 47% of the
population practicing it. Female dominated herd (15%) was an important post drought recovery strategy as during this
time, the stocking rates are low but the need for breeding stocks are high. Female herds are expected to give birth and
replenish the herd. Herd diversification was another important strategy with 10% of the population keeping difference
species of livestock as a coping and recovery strategy. Pastoralists that are left completely destitute due to drought rely
on restocking accounting for 5% of the population. According to the pastoralists external agents provide important
services that influence their recovery in the post drought periods. Such services include provision of water with 43%,
provision of relief food accounting for 30% while provision of employment and early warning services which accounted
for 20% and 7% respectively. The study concluded that drought had a huge impact on the poor households because they
were particularly vulnerable as they were mostly dependent on small stock animals, which are highly vulnerable to
drought. The study also concluded that there is need for the recognition and maintenance of pastoral cultures, traditions
and laws in mainstream policy making process as these mechanisms are important for successful implementation of
government programmes to address drought in pastoral areas. Environment problem is also one of the greatest factors
which trigger the community migrated from place to place. The diversification strategy the participants’ uses assisted to
cope up the early drought problem with a sustainable manor.
Keyword: Drought, livelihood, pastoralists, copping strategies |
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