THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DROUGHT ON PASTORAL HOUSEHOLDS OF HARSHIN WOREDA OF SOMALI REGION

Ethiopia is among the most vulnerable and prone to climate related hazards, such as drought with a very limited copping capacity. Particularly pastoralists are the mostly affected because of their fragile capacity to adapt. This study examined the impact of drought on the socio-economic status of livelihoods of Harshin woreda pastoralists in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. Closed and open-ended Quantitative Household Questionnaire, FGD and KII were used to collect the data. The data were collected from 123 randomly selected households in three Kebeles based on probability proportional to size. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to achieve the stated objectives. Meteorological data 1989-2013 was acquired from the NMA, Harshin Woreda station, based on this Severe Drought Index was also analyzed. The analysis of the precipitation shows that Harshin has a history of recurring droughts. The study recognized that drought impacted on people’s socio-economic livelihoods and critical aspects such as pasture, health, education, water and other economic resources or assets. The study also reveals that pastoralists are worried about the climate change induced hazards including; Drought, Livestock Diseases, Critical Shortage of Water and Pasture, Resource Based Pastoralist Conflict and Reduction of Livestock Production and Productivity, given their vulnerability to such hazards. On the other hand, Herd Composition Diversification, Herd and Pasture Management Improvement, Water Harvesting and Reserving and Extending Mobility Pattern are the most important adaptation strategies used by the Harshin pastoralists to lessen the adverse effects of drought. Finally the study also proposed some possible solutions to problems of drought in the Harshin Woreda.