IMPACTS OF DROUGHT IN PASTORAL COMMUNITY AND THEIR COPING STRATEGIES IN CASE OF GUMBI BORDODE WOREDA, WEST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Drought is a natural event that affects both humans and animals. This study aimed to analyze rainfall, temperature, drought, and the impact of drought, as well as the adaptation strategies of pastoral households in Gumbi Bordodde Woreda, West Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Historical climate data from the National Meteorology Agency (1991-2020) was used, alongside primary data gathered from household key informants through interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while rainfall and temperature data were characterized using Drinc C and XLSTAT software. The results showed that the average annual rainfall was 761mm, with Belg and Kiremt rainfall amounts of 269mm and 410mm, respectively, and corresponding coefficients of variation (CV) of 105%, 98%, and 50%. The Belg rainfall amount exhibited a significant decreasing trend, while Kiremt and Bega rainfall amounts showed no significant increase. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures were as follows: annual (30.72°C, 15.39°C), Belg (29.12°C, 12.39°C), Kiremt (31.64°C, 17.79°C), and Bega (31.39°C, 16°C). The Belg and Bega maximum temperatures showed significant warming trends, whereas Kiremt and annual maximum temperatures showed non-significant warming trends. Regarding the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), the frequency of dry clusters was higher in the Belg season (13%) compared to the Belg-wet cluster (7%), while the Kiremt season had a lower frequency of dry clusters (10%) compared to the wet cluster (23%). The annual dry cluster (13%) was also less frequent than the annual wet cluster (20%). The survey revealed that 78% of household heads were male, 74% were aged between 20-60 years, and 77% were married. About 52% of household heads were illiterate. In terms of farm size, 70% of respondents owned between 0.5-1.5 hectares of land, with most households owning Between 10 to 20 livestock. The main adaptation strategies for drought and climate variability included crop diversification (72%), constructing flood diversion channels for irrigation (66%), selecting drought-tolerant crops and livestock breeds (48%), saving pastures (36%), and soil and water conservation practices (30%). The majority (53- 91%) of respondents reported negative impacts of climate change, variability, and drought on agriculture, the environment, and human life. Key factors influencing adaptation strategies included income sources, age, farm size, education, access to climate information, family size, and livestock holdings. Income had a positive impact on the construction of flood diversion channels, while age had a negative impact. Farm size, education, and income positively affected the selection of droughttolerant crops and livestock breeds. Access to climate information positively impacted pasture collection and saving, while family size negatively affected soil and water conservation practices but had a positive impact on crop diversification. Overall, the study found that frequent drought occurrences, low and highly variable rainfall (CV = 105%), and rising temperatures pose significant challenges for agricultural production in the study area. The study recommends promoting income diversification as an essential adaptation strategy.