Assessing the rationale and competence of pastoral community innovative adaptation to climate change in Ethiopia

Abstract

The communities in Arid and Semi arid regions have survived till today with ahigh
population growth is an indication that they have developed indigenous mechanisms to
cope up harsh conditions.This study was undertaken in Afar and Somali Regional States
to assess the rationale and competence of pastoral community innovative adaptation to
the incidence of climate change.
This study used Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques i.e. focus Group Discussion
(FDG), individual interviews and Key Informant. FGD were held in Dudub & Boloyita of
Afar region and Degahjabis, Barak, Mete, Millo, Goad & Berdher of Shinile zone in
Somali region. For cross triangulation, in depth interviews with ninety two respondents
were held. Afar and Issa Somali Pastoralists are adapting to changes in a local
innovative way. The typical pastoralist innovative adaption in the Study areas: change in
house construction materials, traditional early warning system through Dagu in Afar,
maximizes female animals in their herds, seasonal forecasting by follow up Goat
behavior i.e. shake their legs as if the legs immersed in mud and also traditional water
cooling system of drinking water.
This research output provides a framework for addressing climate change problem by
the Ethiopian pastoralists and assists them in realizing their potentials to rise up to the
challenge. It will also enable policy makers and NGOs to chant an appropriate course for
policy and programme directions