Impacts of Climate Variability on Livestock Resources and Pastoralist Adaptation Responses in Dollo Ado Woreda, the Case of Ethio-Somali National Regional State.

Abstract

This study was conducted in Dollo Ado Woreda of Ethio- Somali-National-Regional State. The general objective of this study was to understand the impacts of climate variability on livestock system and pastoralist adaptation responses in DolloAddoWoredaEthio -Somali National Regional State. Rainfall and temperature data for 34 years were collected from three meteorological stations. Socio-economic data were collected using a structured esquestionnaire from150randomly selected sample households from three kebeles. Data were organized in excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS)and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Coefficients of variation (CV), Precipitation concentration index (PCI), and standardized rainfall anomalies (SRA) were calculated for the period 1983 - 2019. Livestock-related information was gathered from Dollo Ado Woreda Animal Science Department. Then regression and correlation were computed between annual rainfall amount and temperature total over the study period. The findings for this study indicated that both rainfall and temperature over the study area had shown high spatial and temporal variability. The average annual precipitation concentration index (PCI) showed an irregular distribution of annual rainfall for all stations. The results also indicated that the study area has experienced several drought events and flood years with different magnitudes. The number of livestock population was positively associated with annual rainfall. While most livestock populations (except Camel and Goat) were negatively associated with mean annual temperature over the study area. Adaptation practices included mobility, destocking, livestock diversification, shifting from pastoralist to agro-pastoralist, and external support. Factors affecting pastoralist adaptation decisions were; age and sex of household head, family size, educational background, access to credit, and access to extension services training. Based on the results, it is recommended that households should use the most drought tolerant animals and as well as diversify their income. It is also better to use small-scale irrigation with the two rivers (Dawa and Genalle) instead of rearing only livestock.