Livelihood diversity in Borana pastoralist households in Ethiopia

The paper “Determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in Borena pastoralist communities of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia” by Amare Molla, published in Agriculture & Food Security (2018 7:41), looks into the factors that determine choices of livelihood strategies by Borana pastoralist households in southern Oromia. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods from 110 household heads.

Analysis of the households’ income portfolio revealed that the livelihoods were very diverse, including remittances, but pastoral production still contributes about two-thirds of the total income. Various socioeconomic characteristics of the household significantly influenced the level of livelihood diversification. Age of household head, use of agricultural inputs, contact with veterinary services, access to market and to credit, and number of cattle owned were the main influencing factors. The authors concludes that policymakers need to reflect on the most suitable ways of supporting this livelihood diversity and should empower pastoralists to engage in policy formulation for more appropriate pastoral legislation that protects pastoral land rights and sustainable livelihoods options.

Posted on 15 August 2018 in Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition