Socio Economic Dynamics and Traditional Livestock Feed Management Practices in Degahbour Woreda, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study assessed socioeconomic dynamics and traditional livestock management practices in the Degahbour district of Ethiopia’s Somali region. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected from 156 respondents across four kebeles through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and a simple random sampling technique. The primary sources of income were livestock sales and products. Households possessed various livestock species, with goats being the most prevalent. Traditional livestock management practices included free grazing, cut and carry, and crop residues, while improved forage was not practiced. Work patterns were characterized by long hours and a seven-day work week, with women balancing domestic duties and income-generating activities. Income control and decision-making were increasingly collaborative between spouses, with women taking a leading role in day-to-day financial management. Savings practices were primarily informal, with money saved used for household necessities and emergencies. The findings highlight the need for interventions to improve livestock management techniques, enhance financial literacy, and support evolving gender roles within these communities.