Challenges Of Livelihood Diversification In Pastoral Lands Of Ethiopia: Evidence From South Omo Pastoralists

The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges of livelihood diversification as a means to ensure food security in the South Omo Zone pastoral groups. Data was collected through household survey questionnaire, focus group discussion, interview and observation. The findings indicate that though pastoralism is the main source of survival farming is found to be the dominant type of diversification. In terms of wealth group the well- off households have more opportunity to diversify income sources than the poor and average households in the study area. The challenges of diversifying livelihood include: communal resource administration system, lack of financial services, lack of access to market, lack of proper extension services. In conclusion, with the right combination of market access, training, infrastructure, services, capital and fair administration the pastoralist population of the study area can undertake successful livelihood diversification.

REFERENCES

[1]. Pantuliano, Sara and Mike Wekesa. Improving drought response in pastoral areas of Ethiopia Somali and Afar Regions and Borena Zone of Oromiya Region. Overseas Development Institute, London. 2008.

[2]. PFE, IIRR, DF. Pastoralism and Land: Land tenure, administration and use in pastoral areas of Ethiopia. 2010

[3]. Swift, J. and Hamilton K. Household food and livelihood Security. In Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa; Devereux & Maxwell (eds).South Africa: ITDG Publishing. 2000

[4]. Desta, et al. Can pastoral linkages to livestock markets be sustained in southern Ethiopia? Research Brief 09-01-PARIMA, 2009.

[5]. Helland, Johan. Development Interventions and Pastoral Dynamics in Southern Ethiopia, In Hogs R. (ed.). Pastoralists, Ethnicity and the State of Ethiopia, London: HAAN Publishing, pp.5-25. 1997.

[6]. Humanitarian Policy Group. Getting it right: Understanding livelihoods to reduce the vulnerability of pastoral communities. Synthesis Paper.2009.

[7]. Ayalew Gabre. Pastoralism under Pressure: Land Alienation and Pastoral Transformations among the Karrayu in Eastern Ethiopia, 1941 to the Present. The Hague: Shake Publishingague.2001

[8]. CSA. Central Statistical Authority population estimates, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. 2008.

[9]. SNNPR. Livelihood profile Regional Overview, USAID, Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC), the Government of Ethiopia. 2005.

[10]. Opal Foundation. Project overview: http://www.opal-foundation.com/article/south-omo/. 2006.