Impact of Climate change on Pastoral Livelihood, Vulnerability and Adaptive Strategy A Case Study in Moyale District, Borena Zone, Oromyia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in 4 pastoral kebeles (lower administrative unit) of Moyale, district, Borena Administrative Zone, Oromyia Regional State with the objectives of investigating the impact of climate change on the livelihood; identifying root causes of vulnerability; and identifying the local communities’ adaptive mechanisms. The data were collected from 129 household respondents using household questionnaires, key informant interview, and direct observation. The household respondents were selected based on population proportion of the targeted kebeles. The study scrutinized the local communities’ vulnerability to changing climate, environmental degradation, complex disasters as factors that undermine communities’ ability to adapt to climate change. The results indicated that drought was more frequent; rain small in amount, uneven in distribution, short in duration and high in intensity. Therefore, it was found to be wise to protect those traditional coping mechanisms retain importance, especially in sorting out disputes over resources and governing access to pasture. Besides, it is recommended the adaptation policies to be complemented local pastorals autonomous response to climate change through the development of new drought- resistant approach and improved weather forecasts.