The Socio-economic Effects of Drought on Pastoral Household in Bule Hora Woreda of West Guji Zone, Oromiya Region, Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study investigated the socioeconomic effects of drought on pastoral household, in Bule Hora woreda of West Guji Zone; of Oromia region in Ethiopia. The study use both qualitative and quantitative approaches, more specifically, the study employed disk review of relevant documents, semi-structured questionnaires, and interview on key informants and focus groups discussions. These both a qualitative and quantitative analysis was used for data collection by means of a structured questionnaire that was drawn from a total of 183 household respondents in the in study area. The data collected through questionnaires, interview and focus group discussions document analysis were analyzed by making use of descriptions, interpretations and summarization of the data. Quantitative data was analysed using summary and descriptive statistics while qualitative data has been thematically analysed descriptively. The study employed mixed methods approach to triangulate quantitative and qualitative findings. The study revealed that the socioeconomic effects of drought on pastoral; household Livestock mortalities and disease outbreak, human morbidity, food insecurity, reduction of livestock prices, and increase in food prices were among the socioeconomic impacts of drought experienced. The 88.6 % of the respondents have practiced coping and adaptation mechanisms employed by the pastoralists included mobility, herd diversification, herd splitting/merging, making enclose grass (kalo), reduction sale of livestock, and using firewood and charcoal amongst others. The study recommends for a government organization and other institution should lend their supports geared towards diversification of pastoral livelihoods and promotion of their resilience.