Effect Of Water Development Interventions On Socio Economic And Environmental Development In Pastoralist Communities Of Liben District, Guji Zone, Ethiopia

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.