Vulnerable livelihoods in Somali Region, Ethiopia

An investigation into the causes and consequences of livelihood vulnerability in Somali Region, Ethiopia, revealed that livestock-based livelihoods are relatively lucrative but extremely vulnerable to drought and conflict. Cross-border livestock marketing to Somalia and the Gulf states generates enormous revenues for stockowners, traders and marketing agents, mainly in the informal sector. Analysis of long-term rainfall did not reveal greater frequency of drought, but the ability of local people to cope with drought has been eroded by multiple stresses. Supporting viable livelihoods in Somali Region requires planning for unpredictability, expanding people’s options, supporting their collaboration and maximising their physical, economic and social mobility. See the report Vulnerable livelihoods in Somali Region, Ethiopia (by Stephan Devereux, 2006, ODI Research Report 57, 196pp).

Posted on 14 August 2015 in Pastoralism & Natural Resources, Pastoralism, Policy & Power, Pastoralist Livelihoods & Nutrition