Impact Assessment of Recurrent Droughts on Agricultural and Pastoral Communities in Somaliland

Abstract: The study focuses on the assessment of the impacts of recurrent droughts on agricultural and pastoral communities in Baligubadle and Gabiley Districts of Marodiheh Region, Somaliland. Many parts of this country with limited water availability pose serious challenges to development. In the year 2008, it estimated that 150,000 pastoralists in the coastal areas were affected. The study adopted both a qualitative and quantitative approach. The quantitative data gathered was analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, themes, explanations, descriptions and photography. The sample size used was 384 and this was drawn from the target population of 14560 respondents based on Solvents formula for sample selection. The findings showed that the impact of the drought is reflected in a failed harvest of crops and Livestock production. The frequent droughts severely affected them leading to experience food insecurity, limited water for both human and animal consumptions. The highest proportion of the study attributes the causes of the recurrent drought to Natural factor endowment (rainfall scarcity), while others associate it to factors like deforestation, soil erosion. Possible drought tolerance mechanisms were based on variables like relevancy of services, actual service delivered, quality, and quantity. In conclusion, the objectives of the study were attained, respondents were able to point drought directly by identifying its impacts and effects on livestock and crops in individuals, household and community levels. The study recommends that agricultural extension and veterinary service delivery should receive massive investment and a renewed commitment and vision to generate a fundamental change in the lives of poor livestock and crop farmers. Most important fall, afforestation, reforestation, agro-forestation and refrain from environmental degradation through forest cover clearance and charcoal burning must be a priority. It also recommends the above areas to be further studied by NERAD and relevant ministries. Download Paper