The role of livestock diversification in ensuring household food security under a changing climate in Borana, Ethiopia

Perception and attitude of pastoralists on the use and conservation of rangeland resources in Afar Region, Ethiopia

“…Previous studies (Kassahun 2006;Teshome et al 2010;Megersa et al 2014) have shown that the dependency on small ruminant herding makes more effective use of vegetation resources and often more profitable with a predominance of female animals. Respondents' observations show that shrinkage of grazing resources (i.e., scanty access to pasture and reduced grazing capacity) is the main reason for the declining trend in livestock holdings per household.…”

“…3 Relationship between the demand of land for grazing or cultivation and different wealth categories of Afar pastoralists in the study area. Note: -poor (5 TLU); average (14.7 TLU); rich/wealthy (22.25 TLU) observed in Borana pastoral areas by Megersa et al (2014) that suggest that the declining trends in livestock production are probably related to the shrinkage of grazing lands and change in climate. Tafere and Teklu (2013) have shown the consequence of inappropriate interventions on the future of pastoralism by using pastoralists' expression as follows: "once you lose your original trail of tradition, the enemy takes advantage of your resources".…”

“…For example, Abebe et al (2012) have indicated that herd diversification by Borana pastoralists were derived by shifts in vegetation from grassland to woodland. Similarly, Megersa et al (2014) have argued about a progressive shift from centuries old socio-cultural cattle pastoralism to multispecies herding with a focus on more droughttolerant livestock type. In the last five decades, traditional management practices in the study area are greatly affected by external development interventions, bush encroachment by Prosopis juliflora, conflict over resources and drought-related climatic impacts.…”

“…Extensive observations and continuous herding practices have helped pastoralists to acquire a detailed knowledge of their environment (Angassa et al 2012). Over generations, pastoralists have a wealth of knowledge to sustain their livelihoods in arid environments (Megersa et al 2014).…”

Relating Seasonal Hunger and Prevention and Coping Strategies: A Panel Analysis of Malawian Farm Households

“…One of the more common strategies is farm diversification, which includes planting ‘off-season’ or perennial crops as well as carrying livestock (Maxwell, 1996; Mayanja, Rubaire-Akiiki, Greiner, & Morton, 2015; Megersa, Markemann, Angassa, & Zárate, 2014; Morris, Mendez, & Olson, 2013; Rademacher-Schulz, Schraven, & Mahama, 2014; Rosenzweig & Wolpin, 1993). Higher crop diversity on a smallholder’s land has been associated with reduced levels of seasonal hunger and malnutrition (Abdalla et al, 2013; Afifi et al, 2015; Bacon et al, 2014; Devereux, 2009).…”