Adaptation to Climate Variability among the Pastoralist and Agro-Pastoralist Communities in Jigjiga Wereda, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Bekele, Getachew Megerssa (2010) Adaptation to Climate Variability among the Pastoralist and Agro-Pastoralist Communities in Jigjiga Wereda, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Masters thesis, Addis Ababa University.

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Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the adaptation strategies employed by pastoralists and agro-pastoralist communities in the face of climate variability induced adverse effects or shocks in two kebeles of Jigjiga wereda, Somali Regional States. The sustainable livelihood adaptation framework approach was employed in combination to have a comprehensive and holistic understanding on the various livelihood activities and adaptation strategies on the basis of data gathered through a combination of qualitative research methods and the quantitative household survey. Even though the adaptation strategies employed by pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralist communities greatly contributed to curve of climate variability situations, the adaptation strategies employed by them were constrained by various factors and the adaptation strategies are directly or indirectly depend on rainfall in the area. Results obtained in the study revealed that the livelihood resources were deteriorating, livestock rearing and crop productions were not the only viable means of livelihoods. Perhaps the pastoralists and agropastoralists employed combinations of various strategies including joint adaptation practices. Pastoralists have been employing livestock related adaptations in which restocking and increasing livestock mix as the major adaptation strategies. On the other hand, agro-pastoralists have been employing intercropping as a major way to adapt to crop related problems in the study areas. The pastoralists and agro-pastoralists not only relied on Small ponds and “Birkas” to overcome water related problems, but also engaged in soil and water conservation adaptation strategies to control soil erosion and floods in the areas. However, the adaptation strategies were challenged by poverty, poor infrastructure, inaccessibility to markets and information, no credit and saving services, and conflicts over sharing resources which were highly affecting their adaptative capacities. In conclusion, this research work come up with that the adaptation strategies to combat the climate variability induced adverse effects or shocks in the study areas were not enough; it was a kind of self- adaptation which were practiced in disorganized ways. Finally, this research argues that the self- adaptation strategies employed by the pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities were constrained by the factors mentioned above and the adaptation strategies were only for survival. To this end, their adaptation constraints would be alleviated through interventions that comprehensively incorporate various dimensions. To mention few: enhancing the understandings of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists on the variability conditions of rainfall, temperature and seasonal variations and providing them information so that they integrate it with their traditional knowledge; rehabilitation of the existing livelihood resources and strategies in the areas; creating access and credit services; improving the accessibility and market information; provision of veterinary services; enhancing soil and water conservation practices; conflict management and improving and separating the existing water infrastructures would be important.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions: Africana
Depositing User: Tim Khabala
Date Deposited: 25 Sep 2018 12:35
Last Modified: 25 Sep 2018 12:35
URI: http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/5662

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