Traditional coping strategies of pastoralist in response to drought

A case study in Afar and Borana, Ethiopia

Abstract

A field study of tradicional doping strategies of drought was conducted in pastoral communities of Afar and Borana. Infomation was collected from the local people in both the study areas through interviewing knowledgeable individuals and semistructured group discussions. The Afars sustained their production system through the indigenous institutions Medaa and Adaa. The Medaa is the highest decision making body encompassing issues such as conflict resolution, natural resource management, mutual assistance (Titihatia), external relationship and emergency situations (drought). Adaa is the cultural mechanism that implements the rules set by the Medaa. The Geda system administers the two groups. Under the Abba Geda (chief) there are different councilors and village leaders. Some of the councilors are for rituals, for social security, for disputes and marriage and for water management. Grazing lands, water resources and mobility in normal or in periods of disaster are governed by the Geda system.