THE IMPACT OF DROUGHT ON LIVESTOCK IN AFGOI, LOWER SHABELLE - SOMALIA

Abstract

Drought is generally an extended period of months or years in which precipitation is less than the annual average and results in severe water scarcity. For the Horn of Africa region, drought occurrence has become increasingly severe during the last decade, with rainfall totals of at least 50–75 % below normal encountered in most areas, amounts that are not sufficient to support crop and pasture growth for livelihood security (Nicholson 2014). The main objective of this study was to evaluate and measure the impacts of the drought on stock market, milk, fodder, and meat productivity, along with the major effects on the pastoralist’s daily life. Methodology adopted in this research was quantitative approach include questionnaire and data analysis procedure, this study was employ through explanatory research design. The purpose affecting the variables involves in this study and helped to achieve all the objectives of research. The study was conducted from the livestock sales and pastoralists, afgoye district livestock market. The researcher had selected 80 respondent(s) randomly from the population. The data analyzed was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Result, The study clarified the reason related to poverty caused by drought in various households 46.3%. As well as The study indicated that responders 56.3% was agreed to provided feed supplements for livestock during drought while 3.8% of responders not agreed. Also The study proven that the (55%) of responders said the Shortage of rainfall experienced towards the end of 2016 and early 2017 resulted in degradation of grazing veld, while (1.3%) of responders said not resulted in degradation of grazing veld. Conclusion, The survey results and field observations indicated that the afgoye livestock market was seriously affected by drought particularly in dry seasons. According to responder`s understand towards the period of drought time, the study indicated the majority of people lose their jobs, particularly in the livestock sector. Recommendation, the study recommended to all shepherds to establish an alternative project to store water and fodder to benefit from it during the long drought. , also the study recommended the government, NGO`s in dealing with disaster management in Somalia are currently focused on either emergency health preparedness or post emergency relief. There is need for them to shift their mindsets from reaction and charity to anticipation and preemption.