CHARACTERIZATION OF DROUGHT AND ITS IMPACT ON FARMERS LIVELIHOOD IN THE CASE OF HARAMAYA WOREDA, EAST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Drought is one of the most complex naturally occurring disasters that results in serious human life, environmental, social and economic costs around the world. Particularly, agricultural drought in developing countries like Ethiopia is very disastrous causing population displacement, food shortage, loss of life and reduction of agricultural output.. This drought causes serious economic, social, food security and environmental problems. The overall objective of this study was to investigate characterization of drought and its impact on farmers livelihood in Haramaya Woreda. To address this objective mixed method research approach using explanatory sequential research design selected. Relevant data were collected from 355 households sampled from purposely selected three kebeles of Haramaya Woreda. The sample households were selected by using systematic sampling method. Both primary and secondary sources of data were employed. Both satellite remote sensing data and socioeconomic data was utilized in this research. In addition, key informant interviews, questionnaires, field observation and focus group discussions were employed to identify drought early warning practices and drought coping strategies of households. Secondary data were collected from relevant agencies, websites, published journals, magazines, articles and government office report documents as well as reports for the respective study areas. Seasonal and annual rainfall data of 1991 to 2020 was collected from National Meteorological Service Agency (NMSA) of Ethiopia. While, the Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were applied to characterize the agricultural drought conditions in Haramaya Woreda from 1991 to 2020. Accordingly, the study areas are more vulnerable to agricultural drought Hence, during the specified years it can be concluded that the majority of the study area were hit by agricultural drought. Severe and extreme drought event in the study area is commenced nearly once in three years while, the frequency of drought occurrence was five times in the study areas. The drought severity index results indicated the occurrence of agricultural drought, although the spatial coverage of extreme dry conditions. In 2006, 2007 and 2013 experienced moderate drought conditions, whereas severe drought affected 36% of the region. The normalized difference vegetation index results indicated the presence of extremely wet and severely wet conditions. According to the result year 1991 and 2020 were considered as drought year in which minimum NDVI was observed and rainfall was registered. While, in year 2013 and 2020 maximum rainfall and NDVI was observed and considered as wet year. Therefore, the study recommends policies aimed at promoting coping strategies for agricultural drought, need to emphasize the significant role of providing assistance and valid information on time will enhance the resilience of farmers at the individual and community level.