Challenges Of Livelihood Diversification In Pastoral Lands Of Ethiopia Evidence From South Omo Pastoralists

The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges of livelihood diversification as a means to ensure food security in the South Omo Zone pastoral groups. Data was collected through household survey questionnaire focus group discussion interview and observation. The findings indicate that though pastoralism is the main source of survival farming is found to be the dominant type of diversification. In terms of wealth group the well- off households have more opportunity to diversify income sources than the poor and average households in the study area. The challenges of diversifying livelihood include communal resource administration system lack of financial services lack of access to market lack of proper extension services. In conclusion with the right combination of market access training infrastructure services capital and fair administration the pastoralist population of the study area can undertake successful livelihood diversification.