Challenges and contributions of crop production in agro-pastoral systems of Borana Plateau, Ethiopia

Abstract

Uncertain climatic conditions, reduced access to grazing land and water, and reduced mobility affect the sustainability of livestock systems in Ethiopia. As a result, pastoralists look to other sources of income, including crop production, to reduce their vulnerability to changes. There is disagreement about whether integrating crops into pastoralist systems will be a positive experience. Therefore, this study investigated the challenges and contributions of crop production from Borana agro-pastoralists in southern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique produced surveys from 60 households. The collected data showed that Borana agro-pastoralists were highly involved in crop cultivation as one promising alternative means of livelihood but participants held strongly to traditional mobile herding regimes. A majority of the respondents (68%) replied that crop cultivation increases availability of grain and feed sources (straw), thereby improving their food security and minimizing morbidity and mortality loss of animals during the dry season. However, most respondents indicated that livelihood activities were influenced by a number of internal and external factors, most importantly low rainfall, pests, and the lack of inputs and markets. The study concludes there is a greater need of agro-pastoralist participation in crop cultivation to enhance their livelihood.