Climate Change, Resource Scarcity, and Livelihood Challenges among Pastoral Communities in Somaliland: A Case Study of the Maroodijeex Region

Climate change and increasing climatic variability are placing growing pressure on pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood systems in the drylands of Somaliland, where households depend heavily on livestock, seasonal mobility, and access to pasture and water. Recurrent drought, changing rainfall patterns, declining grazing resources, and increasing pressure on shared natural resources have important implications for pastoral mobility, household livelihoods, and community well-being. This study examines the interconnected livelihood challenges associated with climate-related environmental pressures and resource scarcity among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Maroodijeex Region of Somaliland. Specifically, it examines changes in pastoral migration and mobility under changing climatic conditions, the effects of climate-related resource scarcity on the social, economic, and community well-being of pastoral communities, and the implications of resource conflicts associated with increasing pressure on pasture and water for pastoral livelihoods. The study employed a qualitative case-study design to explore how these interconnected challenges are experienced and addressed at the community level. The findings indicate that recurrent drought and changing rainfall patterns have disrupted established pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood practices and contributed to changes in pastoral mobility, particularly as households seek areas with adequate water and grazing resources. Declining and unevenly distributed pasture and water have increased competition over shared resources and contributed to resource-related tensions and conflicts. These pressures have affected livestock production, household income, food security, social relations, and community well-being. In response, pastoral and agro-pastoral communities have adopted mobility, changes in livestock management, livelihood diversification, resource-sharing practices, and other locally developed coping and adaptation strategies. However, recurrent climatic shocks, declining resource availability, and competition over natural resources constrain the sustainability of these responses. The study demonstrates that climate-related livelihood challenges in Maroodijeex emerge through the interaction of environmental stress, pastoral mobility, resource scarcity, competition, conflict, and local livelihood conditions rather than through a single climatic factor. The findings highlight the importance of understanding climate-related livelihood challenges through both their environmental and social dimensions. Addressing these interconnected pressures requires integrated attention to sustainable water and rangeland management, pastoral mobility, community-based resource governance, livelihood diversification, and conflict-sensitive approaches to natural-resource management.