Wana, Desalegn(PhD)Doyo, Jarso2018-07-022023-11-192018-07-022023-11-192011-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/5477Degradation of range resources has recently been a serious problem due to multiple causative factors such as climate change (increased CO2 concentration in the atmosphere), surge in human and cattle population, and range resource management regimes. The aims of this research are to investigate Borana pastoralists’ indigenous range resources management techniques and to describe the adaptation strategies of Borana pastoral community during frequent and extended drought. Data were collected by employing in-depth interviews, observations, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and informal discussions. The study results reveal that Borana pastoralists indigenous knowledge and experiences play a great role in pasture and water resources management. The regulatory role of water in managing grazing land is a very key factor for range resource management, especially during recurrent drought. In addition, various adaptive strategies such as hay making and herd division are used by Borana pastoralists to cope with drought stress. Borana pastoralists are currently facing mounting challenges such as bush encroachment, shrinking of rangelands and frequent drought incidents. Consequently, these have put a great strain in the pastoral production system and eventually may even undermine the pastoral livelihoods in drought stressed semi-arid ecosystems of the Borana lowlands. In general, indigenous range resource management system is more or less efficient and environmentally sustainable though the external interactive factors put the resource base under stress. Development interventions were made to improve the Borana rangeland condition but could not bring lasting solution. Therefore, development interventions should work on improving their weak sides.enGeography and Environmental StudiesThesis