Decreasing productivity of the pastoral system arising from low pastoral development emphasis by both regional and central government and various environmental challenges are forcing pastoralists to practice unscrupulous land cultivation. This review paper aimed at presenting overview of the expansion of dryland farming, explores its drivers and prospect of pastoral livelihood among Ethiopian pastoralists. Analytical reviews that critically compare the finding of different research were used, and keywords were used as searching method.
This review indicates that farming is expanding and becoming popular in pastoralist of southern Ethiopia. Pastoralism is in the dynamic condition than ever before due to multiple factor. Climate challenges, land degradation, land tenure insecurity, government policy on pastoralists settlements, conflicts, and socio-economic factors are the major drivers of dryland farming. Thus, traditionally mobile livestock keeping among pastoralists of southern Ethiopia is becoming tougher than ever before.
Opportunistic farming in the area is serving as means of subsistence for poor pastoral drop out. Conversion of pastoral lands for cultivation is not appropriate strategy for environmental health as well sustainability of the pastoral system. Practicing only extensive pastoralism in the area is also rarely possible. Therefore, dryland farming should support livestock rearing in a way that assures environmental health and economic sustainability for pastoral communities.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
METHODOLOGY
EXPANSION OF DRY LAND FARMING IN THE PASTORAL AREA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
DRIVERS OF DRY LAND FARMING IN PASTORAL AREA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
FUTURE PROSPECT OF THE PASTORALISM IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
CONCLUSIONS
Objectives and Topics
This review paper aims to provide an overview of the expansion of dryland farming within pastoral communities in Southern Ethiopia, exploring the primary drivers of this shift and its impact on pastoral livelihoods. The study evaluates how environmental, socio-economic, and policy factors have compelled traditionally mobile pastoralists to adopt crop cultivation as an opportunistic coping strategy.
- Drivers of dryland farming expansion in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Impact of climate change and recurrent drought on pastoral stability.
- Evaluation of land tenure insecurity and government settlement policies.
- Economic and environmental sustainability of integrating farming with pastoralism.
- The future viability of traditional mobile pastoralism in Ethiopia.
Excerpt from the Book
EXPANSION OF DRY LAND FARMING IN THE PASTORAL AREA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
African pastoral ecosystems are an ancestral homeland to a substantial portion of the population for whom pastoralism is atraditional way of life and main production system. However, pastoralism is far from static and continuously adopts various forms of livelihoods as adaptation to various forms of changes (Mortimore 2013).Most pastoralist groups have been cultivating land throughout history. Several years ago the pastoral land of southern Ethiopia was free from fragmentation except small size enclosure (Napier and Desta 2011).
A series of development projects implemented by the joint effort of the Ethiopian government and USAID, the Livestock Development Projects funded by the African Development Bank and World Bank have been introduced from 1960’s to the end of 2000. Sub-projects underThird Livestock Development Projects (NERDU, JIRDU and SORDU) were implemented under the rubric of national economic development slogan. Strikingly, none of these projects produced successful results but paradoxically posed far reaching ramifications to the pastoral lands and livelihoods (Shanaa 2015, Demie 2015).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: This chapter contextualizes the economic and ecological importance of pastoral systems while highlighting the vulnerabilities created by policy neglect, climate change, and conflict.
METHODOLOGY: This section details the systematic qualitative review approach used to analyze scientific findings, books, and journals regarding dryland farming and pastoral livelihoods.
EXPANSION OF DRY LAND FARMING IN THE PASTORAL AREA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: This chapter traces the history of agricultural encroachment into rangelands, driven by development projects and the need for diversification among pastoral households.
DRIVERS OF DRY LAND FARMING IN PASTORAL AREA OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: This part identifies the main catalysts for the shift toward farming, specifically focusing on climate variability, land degradation, and government-led settlement policies.
FUTURE PROSPECT OF THE PASTORALISM IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: This chapter examines the sustainability of pastoralism and explores the potential for complementary relationships between livestock rearing and controlled cultivation.
CONCLUSIONS: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, arguing that total conversion to farming is not a viable strategy and advocating for interventions that support pastoral health and economic stability.
Keywords
Dryland Farming, Borana Pastoralist, Pastoralism, Pastoral Livelihood, Climate Change, Land Degradation, Ethiopia, Rangeland, Sedentarization, Livestock Production, Sustainability, Food Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the expansion of dryland farming within the pastoral communities of Southern Ethiopia and investigates the reasons why pastoralists are transitioning toward cultivation.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The work focuses on the intersection of traditional pastoralism, the rise of opportunistic agriculture, and the broader environmental and policy-related pressures impacting these communities.
What is the main research question or objective?
The study aims to provide a critical overview of the drivers behind the expansion of farming in pastoral areas and to assess the future prospects for the sustainability of the pastoral livelihood system.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The author conducted a qualitative systematic review, gathering and comparing evidence from existing scientific research, databases, and peer-reviewed journals to draw comprehensive conclusions.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover the historical context of rangeland use, specific drivers like climate change and land tenure insecurity, the role of government policies, and the evolving future of pastoralism.
How would you describe the key terms characterizing this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as Borana pastoralists, dryland farming, land degradation, and livelihood diversification, reflecting the core socio-economic challenges faced by the population.
How does the Gadaa system relate to the findings in the study?
The study uses the Gadaa period structure to organize historical drought data, demonstrating a correlation between extreme weather events and the subsequent shift of pastoralists toward crop cultivation.
What is the author's stance on the total conversion of pastoral lands to farms?
The author concludes that a complete conversion is not an appropriate strategy for environmental health or economic sustainability, instead suggesting that farming should only be supported where it complements pastoral systems.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Doyo Kena (Autor:in), 2021, Expansion of dryland farming in the pastoral communities of southern Ethiopia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1164049
