CAUSES AND RESPONSES TO PASTORAL FOOD INSECURITY IN ETHIOPIA SOMALI REGION

Abstract

The pastoral area of Ethiopia Somali Region is vulnerable to food insecurity, which needs to understand its nature and currently implemented mode of responses at addressing the problem. This study is, therefore, intends to investigate the causes and mode of responses for the pastoral food insecurity. The objective of the study includes assessing the causes of pastoral food insecurity in this region, identifying the major mode of responses to food insecurity and examining the effects of these responses in addressing the problem. The methodology implemented to achieve the objectives was analysis of literature pertinent to food security using various theories as frameworks. Various literatures were used to cross check and ensure the trustworthiness of data. The study evidenced that pastoral community faces food insecurity problem because of the occurrence of recurrent drought and constraint to mobility due to population growth, urbanization, crop production and conflict. Thus, the people/livestock ratios have declined in pastoralist households to a level below what is ‘viable ’for sustainable livestock production and food security because of increasing constraints on mobility. Poverty and market inaccessibility are among the major factors aggravating problems of pastoral food insecurity in Somali Region. It is also identified that various modes of intervention are implemented in this area aiming to address the problem. These include productive safety net program, food aid and resettlement program. The study evidenced that these modes of responses are designed in agrarian context, failed to take into account the real context of pastoral and pastoralist community. As a result, the effect of these interventions in addressing food insecurity is insignificant. Therefore, it is recommended to involve the pastoral community elders in decision making process regarding to mode of responses to food insecurity. It is important to take into account the attitude of pastoral community towards responses and devise approach that address the overall livelihood scenario of pastoralists in holistic and sustainable manner.