Transformation of Borana from nomadic pastoralists to agropastoralists and shift of livestock from cattle to include more goats, camels and sheep in Southern Ethiopia

Traditionally, Borana in Southern Ethiopia raised cattle for meat, milk, blood, leather, dung and cash and depended on nomadic and transhumant pastoralism for their livelihood and lifestyle. The government policy today is to sedentarise the pastoralists and convert the pastureland into cropland. Kebeles (pastoralist associations) have been established and these bodies have usurped much of the authority of the traditional leaders and decision makers. Loss of land, including large tracts to private investors, along with frequent droughts, pastoral conflicts, encroaching bushlands, increasing population and decreasing grasslands have forced a drastic decline in mobility among the Borana. The Borana are adjusting to the changes, albeit reluctantly, by transforming to agropastoralists, growing crops for home consumption and for cash, by livelihood diversifications other than agriculture and by shifting their livestock from mainly traditional cattle to include more goats, sheep and camels.