Galma Dabbasowaariyo, wakala Gababo Guyo, Gadisa Chimdesa
(2023) Vol. 01, No. 01, pp. 23-47
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess Pastoralists Perceptions towards Rangeland
Degradation and Management practices in Pastoralist Dry Land Area among the Borana
pastoral communities. Mainly the data for this particular study was collected from both
primary and secondary sources. The primary data obtained through household questionnaires,
key informant interview, focus group discussions and field observation while secondary data
gathered from published and unpublished materials. Cross-sectional research design along
with mixed method was employed to conduct the study. Sampling procedure was used by
multi-stage sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 345 sample households
by using simple random sampling.The study covered four kebeles based on force of
rangeland degradation (high, medium and less). The major findings indicate that, the majority
(97.0%) respondents agreed that rangeland conditions were bad. rangeland degradation have
most significant impacts on the water resources, soil fertility, and biodiversity.The main
causes of this degradation are; overgrazing, bush encroachment, soil erosion and limited care
and attention paid to rangelands.Researcher concluded that, Rangeland degradation can be
exhibited as a decline in the primary productive capacity of Rangeland resources. Weakness
in productive capacity and degradation of Rangeland condition has considerable impacts on
the productivity of Rangeland and livelihood of community. In recommendations, all
stakeholders: government, private sectors, any local and international NGOs, pastoralists,
public should stand beside pastoralist in supporting and incorporating indigenous and
technical knowledge for sustainable management of Rangeland resources.
Keywords: Degradation, Rangeland Management, Pastoralism.