ASSESSMENT OF GRAZING LAND STATUS, UTILIZATION PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED CONSTRAINTS IN SOUTH ARI DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
K. Kuke | Y. Tadele | T. Olbamo
Grazing lands are crucial in sustaining livestock production, particularly in regions where pastoralism is a primary livelihood strategy. This study evaluates the status of grazing lands, their utilization practices, and the constraints affecting their productivity in South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 196 respondent households, ensuring a representative assessment across different altitudinal zones. Results indicate that household grazing landholdings did not vary significantly across altitudes (P>0.05). The primary feed resources available in the district include natural grazing pastures, crop residues, improved forages, and conserved hay. However, the quality and availability of grazing lands have shown a marked decline over time, primarily due to agricultural land expansion (70.83%) and overgrazing (29.17%). Furthermore, 79.47% of respondents reported not implementing any grazing land improvement strategies, and 87% followed a continuous grazing system, exacerbating land degradation. Key constraints limiting livestock productivity in the district include feed scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, excessive stocking rates, and suboptimal grazing land management. These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, including sustainable grazing management practices, policy support for controlled land use, and improved forage development programs. Implementing integrated land management strategies will be essential in reversing degradation trends and enhancing the long-term productivity of grazing systems in the region
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