Rapid Appraisal of Resilience to the Effects of Recurrent Droughts in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The research was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The study aimed to assess the resilience of pastoralist communities in Borana Zone, Ethiopia, to recurrent droughts. The Borana pastoralist economy is characterized by mobility and limited market access. The zone is vulnerable to recurrent droughts, with drought-related events occurring frequently since 1961. The drought trends and effects have been severe, with significant impacts on livestock and household income. Pastoralists have developed strategies to cope with recurrent droughts, including livestock mobility and social capital. The study employed a rapid appraisal methodology, involving focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The data collection tools and procedures were designed to assess the resilience dimensions of wealth, livestock, social capital/community networks, psychosocial conditions, infrastructure/social services, environment, human capital, and governance/peace/security. The data management and analysis involved a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of the study revealed that the resilience dimensions of wealth, livestock, and social capital/community networks were critical to the pastoralist communities' ability to cope with recurrent droughts. The study also identified key actors involved in the response to drought in Borana Zone, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations. The effectiveness of government strategies was found to be limited, and challenges to resilience building in Ethiopia were identified. The study's findings informed the development of a context-specific resilience framework for Borana Zone, Ethiopia. The framework identified infrastructure/social services and social capital/community networks as key entry points for interventions. The study's recommendations emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to building resilience, involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations. The study's methodology and findings have implications for the development of resilience-building interventions in Borana Zone, Ethiopia. The study's results highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of vulnerability, including poverty, limited market access, and lack of social capital. The study's recommendations emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to building resilience, involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations. The study's findings have also implications for the development of resilience-building interventions in other pastoralist communities in the Horn of Africa. The study's results highlight the importance of addressing the specific needs and challenges of pastoralist communities, including limited market access, lack of social capital, and vulnerability to recurrent droughts. The study's methodology and findings have been informed by the ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) resilience framework, which emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of vulnerability and building resilience through a comprehensive approach. The study's results have been presented in a context-specific resilience framework for Borana Zone, Ethiopia, which identifies infrastructure/social services and social capital/community networks as key entry points for interventions. The study's recommendations emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to building resilience, involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations. The study's findings have implications for the development of resilience-building interventions in Borana Zone, Ethiopia, and other pastoralist communities in the Horn of Africa.