Unpacking the impact of mobile settlement on crop diversification among agro-pastoralists in the Gambella Region: endogenous switching regression model

Abstract

In Ethiopia’s Gambella Region, agro-pastoralist households rely on both crop farming and livestock, often adopting mobile settlement patterns in response to environmental and economic challenges. While mobility affects land use, labor allocation, and agricultural output, its influence on crop diversification has been little studied. This research investigates the effect of mobile settlement on crop diversification among 384 households using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The Simpson Diversification Index and Endogenous Switching Regression were applied to quantify and analyze crop diversification patterns. Findings showed that overall crop diversification is limited among agro-pastoralists influenced by socio-economic and environmental factors. Moreover, mobile settlement reduced crop diversification by 0.34 units among mobile households and by 0.45 units among non-mobile households. The study concludes that mobile settlement negatively impacts crop diversification, potentially undermining household resilience and food security. To improve diversification, it is recommended to enhance irrigation infrastructure, strengthen extension and training services, expand market access, provide financial support schemes, and implement local resource management strategies.