IMPACTS OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES OF PASTORAL COMMUNITY, KORRAHE ZONE, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

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