Valuation of Range land Resource in Pastoral and agro pastoral Areas of Debub Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia

Abstract

A survey was conducted in Dasenech and Benna-Tsemay districts of the South Omo zone of Southern Ethiopia, with the objectives of identifying determinants of WTP for Rangeland rehabilitation in Pastoral and agro pastoral area, to estimate the economic value of range lands in pastoral & agro pastoral areas and to identify major constraints facing pastoral and agro pastoral in the study areas. The information was gathered through group discussions and using a structured questionnaire. The major livestock production constraints were drought, feed and water shortage and animal health problems. There are no range improvement practices undertaken to improve the condition of the rangelands. Mobility is the first measure taken to solve shortage of livestock feed and water but many of the pastoralists replied that they face many problems during migrations. In conclusion, the indigenous knowledge of the pastoralists about range-livestock management and their environment should be incorporated while planning range-livestock development projects for the study districts.