Livelihood Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies of Pastoralists in Eastern Oromiya: The Case of Ituu Oromoo pastoralists in Fantaallee District

Abstract

This study explores the livelihood vulnerability and adaptation strategies among Ituu pastoral community in Fantaallee District. The study relies on qualitative methodology employing a descriptive research design to shed light on the livelihood strategies of Ituu pastoralists, describe factors affecting the livelihood, discerning pastoralists‟ perspective pertaining to the viability of pastoralism as a way of life and explaining livelihood adaptations strategies. The data collection methods in the study are focus group discussion, in-depth interview, key informant interview and field observation. Two different Gandoota were purposively selected. Participants for the study were purposively selected and believed to provide detail information. The findings of the study show that livestock rearing is the main livelihood strategies of Ituu pastoralists. However, a gradual shift to rain fed farming was observed due to increasing challenge with maintaining pastoralism. Pastoralists are also pursuing alternative livelihood activities, like charcoal production and milk selling out of necessity. The study reveals different factors affecting the livelihood of Ituu pastoralists. Climate variability and drought, land territorial conflicts were reported to make the livelihood of Ituu vulnerable. Recurrent drought and irregular rain fall affected fodder and led to death of hundreds of livestock every drought year. Drought induced scarcity of resource also led to competition over resources and dispute over land between Ituu, and Afar and Argobba which in turn resulted in death of human lives and raiding of livestock. The newly emerging land related and ecological factors (the expansion of Shoolaa tree and Haro Nogobaa) are exacerbating pastoralists‟ vulnerability as they changed the land use pattern. Areas invaded by Juliflora trees were of less use for pastoralists. The alien tree species, Shoolaa, invaded grassland and pushed out other tree species whereas the expanding Haro Nogoba compromised plain areas where pastoralists used to herd their livestock in the time of the mountainous part enclosure. This study also found that irrigation schemes, the expanding state farms and park are challenging the Ituu. In response to vulnerability Ituu pastoralists pursue different adaptation strategies. The typical adaptation strategies are mobility and herd splitting, and communal land enclosure. Therefore, significant attention is needed from the researchers and policymakers to revitalize and develop the context specific adaptation strategies. Key words: Ituu, Pastoralism, Livelihood, Vulnerability, Adaptation