A Comparative Analysis of Vulnerability of Pastoralists and Agro-pastoralists to Climate Change: A Case Study in Yabello Woreda of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The article aims or measuring and comparing tlte relative vulnerabiliry of
pastoralists and agro-postorali.uJ in Yabello Woreda of Borana Zone in Oromia
Region. The study used vulnerability indicator method to determine the [el'et of
vulnerability of households and social groups. The study showed thar half of the
sample Iwuseholds are highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change. Among
these highly vulnerable households agro-pa5toraJistJ comprise the highest
proportion (60.5 %) of the highly vulnerable households . . This implies that the
pastoral livelihood system is more reJilie1l1 to climatic shocks and variability
compared to that of agro-pa5roralism in the study area. Generally. it is poinled out
that resort to agro-pastoralism. though forced by local circumstances, seems to be
a risky alternative. The problem, therefore, demands further investigation and
efforts to create better policy, institlliion ami infrastructure in order to widell
opportunitiesfor aitemaJil'e and supplemenrallivelihood sources and resources.