Abstract:
Ethiopia is among those countries most vulnerable to climate risks in Africa and it is the
historically prone country to extreme weather events which was a reason for droughts that
caused periodic food insecurity. The impact of drought not only leads to the shortage of water
and food but also have a long terms social, economical, environmental and health impact, on the
population. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the social, economic and
environmental effects of drought based on their likelihood, and the degree of existence effects of
drought; to find out the traditional coping strategies of the agropastoralists of the Gola Oda
woreda. To achieve these objectives compressive survey was employed and data was collected
from 366 sample respondents and meteorological agency. These respondents were selected by
using probable sampling methods. The gathered data were analyzed using frequencies and
statistical descriptive like: percentage, mean, and mode; and the results are illustrated using
tables, and diagrams. As a result, effects of the drought were likely appeared on the social,
economic and environment conditions of the agropastoralists. In addition, the effect degree of
the drought on the social, economic and environmental conditions was high. Nevertheless, the
traditional and contemporary coping for food shortage, water shortage, human and animal
health problems were likely practiced. This was because, the communities have been poor
economically, and they are exposure to vulnerable environmental and sensitive livelihood to
drought. Therefore, the effect of drought is beyond their coping practices were poorly
accomplished. From this, it is possible to deduct that the societies of the study area have good
awareness about the effects of drought however, their economic condition cannot significantly
support the implementation of the new and modern coping strategies rather than traditional.
