PASTORALISTS’ PERCEPTIONS, VULNERABILITY AND THEIR ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY: CHALLENGES TO PASTORAL MOBILITY IN BORANA ZONE OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Climate change and variability is increasingly being recognized as a critical challenge to pastoral production systems in the arid and semi-arid rangelands of Ethiopia. Pastoral communities in the Borana zone of Ethiopia have been changing and adapting their livelihoods to changing environmental conditions for centuries. The objective of this study was to assess the vulnerability of pastoralists and their adaptation strategies to climate change and variability in the rangeland of Borana Zone. The study used cross-sectional data collected from a sample of 160 pastoralists using multistage sampling procedures. Both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from primary and secondary sources were used. The primary data were collected from 160 randomly selected respondents, focus group discussants and key informant interviewees whereas secondary data were collected from different institutions (both governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Data was analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and applied vulnerability indices: Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and LVI-IPCC, as well as qualitative data analysis techniques such as narration and quotation. The survey results showed that 71% of the respondent perceived a very high impact on herd mobility. Respondents‟ perceptions results show climate change is real and is negatively affecting forage availability (in quality and quantity); livestock production and reproduction performances; herders‟ practices and their livelihoods. The results from the vulnerability indices showed that Gobso with LVI-IPCC of 0.0970 indicated highly vulnerable PA with very high exposure to natural hazards and only a least adaptive capacity. Most of the households fall within the moderately vulnerable category. Borana pastoralists are already taking adaptation measures such as mobility, Kalo (enclosures), destocking, herd diversification, using borehole and prayers and other rites. However, increase in drought occurrence in the last few years is reducing their resilience. The study concludes that, various social, economic and biophysical determinants influence households‟ vulnerability to climate-induced stresses. Hence, adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture policies and strategies with emphasis on improving adaptation strategies of pastoralists‟ are necessary for better planning and targeting of interventions.