Perceived impacts of climate change in pastoralist regions of Ethiopia: A qualitative study applying the concept of One Health

Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with the increasing geographic extent, intensity and frequency of drought.

Because pastoralist communities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate, this study was carried out to examine how these communities understand climate change and its impacts.

Researchers affiliated to Addis Ababa University, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the University of Liverpool conducted a qualitative study among pastoral communities in Ethiopia.

They used focus group discussions with community representatives and key informant interviews with human and animal health and agriculture experts. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Participants viewed deforestation and population growth as the main causes of climate change; they found that climate change caused high temperatures, a shortage of rainfall and drought.

These changes affected the environment, food security, and animal health, impacting their livelihoods, health and social systems.

Coping strategies included engaging in new economic activities, environmental recovery attempts, migration, and seeking food aid for survival.

They suggested providing food aid, improving access to human and animal health care, and implementing early warning systems at the community level.

Additionally, the pastoralists perceived that climate change destroyed the natural environment, increased food insecurity, and negatively affected social systems and health.

Thus, collaborative actions are needed to mitigate these effects, initiate local environmental adaptation mechanisms, enhance water and food security, and improve animal and human health services.

Citation
Tamire, M., Mor, S.M., Baylis, M. and Kaba, M. 2025. Perceived impacts of climate change in pastoralist regions of Ethiopia: A qualitative study applying the concept of One Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 22(2): 257.

Photo: Cattle in Afar, Ethiopia (Credit: ILRI/Fiona Flintan)