Characterization of rangeland resources and dynamics of the pastoral production systems in the somali region of Eastern Ethiopia.
2006
Amaha Kassahun Gezahegn(Researcher)
The study was conducted in the Somali region of easter Ethiopia, with an arid to semiarid climate.The study aimed at the characterization of the rangeland resources,assessing the current condition of the rangeland, understanding pastoral perceptions on reangeland degradation and developing drought feeding strategies for livestock.The degradation gradient was identified in each of the three vegetation types, where the botanical composition was surveyed and the rageland condition assessed.Rangeland condition was observed to significantly influence the grazing behaviour of livestock in terms of plant species selection,grazing intesity and intake per animal.when forage sources were adequately available,animals selected fever plant species.The study on the soil seed bank of soil collected along the various degradation gradients showed a high abundance of plant seed present in the soil,confirming the potential of the area for rageland restoration.Drought must be accepted as part of the pastoral life and there should be an adequate early warning system regarding livestock feed availability and strategies of appropriate mitigation strategies.More realistic stocking rates is the obvious solution to the avoidance of stock losses during droughts, but in view of the well established culture of the pastoralists it is highly doubtful if they will be willing to reduce their animal numbers.In conclusion,the experimental results indicated the existence of genetic variablility among the various Somali livestock breeds regarding the tolerance to feed shortages and in rates of compensaory growth.This demonstrates the opportunity for imp0roving the genetic composition of the Somali herds through selection.
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