Livestock production resource assessment, mapping and suitability analysis in the pastoral areas of Bale and East Bale Zones, Southeastern Ethiopia

Livestock production system and productivity are increasingly constrained by climatic variability, disparities in available production resources, and livestock population challenging pastoral livelihoods. These burdens accelerate loss of climate-resilient, and eco-friendly livestock diversities, and limit productivity enhancing interventions. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the availability, and spatial distribution of livestock production resources, and to evaluate land suitability for major livestock species in the pastoral districts of Bale, and East Bale Zones of Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling procedures were followed to select target kebeles (mini administrative units) for data collections on forage availability, water sources, veterinary services, and livestock market infrastructure. Data were collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observations, and GIS-based spatial analysis. The study showed that resources for livestock production are limited, and unevenly distributed, resulting in a substantial mismatch between livestock requirements, and available resources, thereby constraining the productivity, and sustainability of pastoral livelihoods. The estimated annual biomass yield (DM) from the existing land use surpasses the annual feed requirement (DM) for livestock body maintenance. Though surplus annual biomass, it is constrained by dense unpalatable vegetation, rugged terrain, early forage drying, and seasonal variability. Only 57.1% of animal health centers, and 41.0% of livestock markets are functional, concentrated in nearby towns and mixed-farming border, make the area undeserved. Suitability analysis revealed that only small proportions of the landscape are highly suitable for cattle, sheep, goats, and camels (3.4, 2.6, 1.4, 5.5%), respectively. The finding discloses a significant gap between livestock needs, and resource availability. The study emphasizes the urgency for focused forage and water development, increased veterinary and market services, and better resource management. Further, it helps stakeholders, and policymakers to support resilient pastoral systems that are subject to socioeconomic, and environmental stresses as well as sustainable livestock production.