Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity of Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Households in Ethiopia: Evidence from Six Regions

Abstract

Abstract

Pastoral and agro-pastoral (PAP) households in Ethiopia face increasing climate-induced hazards and shocks, threatening their livelihoods. Understanding their perceptions of climate change, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity is crucial for developing effective climate resilience strategies. This study investigates PAP households’ perceptions of climate-induced change and their vulnerability by measuring exposure and sensitivity and evaluating their adaptive capacity to climate-induced shocks. Data were collected using household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews and analyzed using qualitative and qualitative techniques. The study found that PAP households perceive warming trends in temperature; unreliable rainfall patterns and increasing frequencies and severity of climate-induced hazards, which adversely affect livestock and crop production. These perceptions are consistent with observed climate change trends in pastoral areas. The study identified drought, economic shocks, floods, food crises and disease outbreak as the main shocks faced by PAP households. In response, households have adopted various adaptive strategies including asset building, adjustments in livestock management and crop production; and coping strategies for food shortages. These proactive measures aim to mitigate the impacts of climate-induced shocks. The study concludes that climate induced hazards and shocks will continue to be major constraints to livelihood activities in PAP areas. Therefore, future development programs and policy interventions should consider these shocks in their resilience-building strategies. Strengthening and complementing community-driven adaptation efforts with government support can enhance the effectiveness of climate adaptation initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and synergy between external interventions and local practices. 

Keywords: Climate change, pastoralism, livelihoods, exposure, sensitivity, resilience, Ethiopia