Abstract:
This study was undertaken in Liben District of Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia to
assess the socio-economic and environmental development effect of water development
on pastoralist communities. A total of 359 samples of pastoral household heads from two
kebeles were surveyed to acquire data on socio-economic and environment. Focus group
discussions were conducted to triangulate data. Analysis of data was made using SPSS
version 29 and frequencies, mean and standard deviations were computed. Chi-square
test was used to test the significance of the relationships between the dependent and the
independent variables. Survey data revealed that livestock productivity and production
has improved and borehole development and livestock production and productivity have
significant association, indicating that water development played significant role in
pastoralist livelihood in the study area. The study has found. In addition, the study found
that women were benefited. Moreover, the result of the survey indicated improved
community health, decrease in waterborne disease and increased sanitation and personal
hygiene, that new schools were constructed, increased girl’s school enrollment and
reduced student dropout with water development in the study area. In general, the study
has found that water development has positive effect on socio- economic development of
pastoralists in the study area. The study indicated degradation of rangeland near the
water points due to repeated visit of livestock to these areas. The study recommends
rehabilitation of existing ponds to enhance service delivery on sustainable basis and
avoiding farming in the water shade; users of water have to pay fee for the services.
