Analysis of drought hazard, its socio-economic impacts and Coping/Adaptation strategies: the case of Rayitu Woreda, East Bale Zone, Oromia Region, South Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The general objective of the study was to assess and identify the severity, conditions and Spatial-temporal of drought hazard, its socio-economic impacts and adaptive strategies of local community. The study used multi-stage sampling techniques.1st stage: three clusters selected from four cluster using purposive sampling techniques. 2nd stage: from selected clusters three kebeles purposively selected by consulting the expertise working in the Woreda, information about drought hi. 3rd stage: sample households were selected through systematic sampling techniques in proportional sample distribution method. The study used open questionaries’ to gather information from local people of 335 households and three sample kebeles (Fincho, Arda Nagaya and Kere Tule). Monthly rainfall amount data from online data access viewer: NASA POWER Rayitu Woreda stations for the 32 years (1991- 2022) and Landsat 8 satellite imagery was accessed at U.S Geographical Survey (https:/earthexplorer.usgs.gov) and selected the best imageries with cloud cover <12% of 10 years (2013-2022) were downloaded. Similarly, Focus Group discussion members and key informant interviewees was selected from three kebeles and secondary data from relevant offices of different levels was used. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is used to analyze spatial-temporal of drought and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to analyze severity and conditions of drought. The study result showed that the gender disparity was attributed to male-dominated activities. The study also found that drought has negatively impacted Rayitu Woreda's lowland, to quantify the precipitation deficit for timescale with extremely severe droughts (1-month SPI in 2003 & 2005), severe droughts (12-month SPI in 2002, 2011 and 2015) and moderately dry (1-month SPI in 1991, 1992 & 2002, 6-month SPI in 2000, 2003, 2008 & 2012, 9-month SPI in and 12-month SPI in 2004, 2016 and 2018). The study reveals fluctuations in vegetation cover over years, with higher standard deviation values of NDVI indicating diversity, and lower values indicating homogeneity. The study also identified effective drought adaptation measures like range conservation, settlement around water sources, food consumption reduction, livestock reduction, and herd composition changes. To improve economic resilience, households should diversify income, address gender disparities, implement robust monitoring systems, promote water conservation, empower women, invest in water harvesting structures, and train communities on adaptation strategies. 7