Abstract:
Climate variability has become a major concern locally and globally that has negative
impacts on the sustainability of livelihoods as well as socio-economic and environmental
welfare. Local pastoral community’s adaptation strategies need all-inclusive support to
safeguard their livestock based crucial livelihood option. The purpose of this study was to
explore impacts of climate variability and to identify adaptation strategies of the pastoral
community of Korahe Zone. The study was conducted in three kebeles of Kabridahar district,
Somali region. In this study a mixed research design was applied. A total of 284 sample data
collected from three selected kebeles. Qualitative data were collected from 4 key informants
and 7 focus groups discussions. The climate variability trend was assessed using standardized
precipitation index (SPI), Likert rating scale, and multinomial logit model. Historical climate
data over the past 30 years recorded by National Metrological Agency from Kabridahar
stations were examined using descriptive analysis (frequencies, mean and standard deviation).
The climate trend and variability analysis findings over the last 30 years shown that generally
there is a decreasing trend of rainfall while temperature is increasing. As a result, the
pastoral communities have been suffering to hunt their main livelihoods; livestock pasture and
water. The impact of climate variability in the study area has reduced livestock number and
mobility, degraded pasture and water depletion at watering points. The primary adaptation
strategies employed to mitigate the impact of climate change are herd splitting, livestock mobility, and selling. The study found that herd splitting and increased livestock mobility are
the most effective strategies. Therefore, it is recommended that local pastoral communities be
sensitized to the certainty of climate change and variability, its impacts, and the importance of
strengthening positive adaptation strategies. Additionally, governments and development
actors need to work to address the factors that contribute to barriers to climate variability
adaptation in the study area, dealing with the root causes to find long-lasting solutions
