Assessment of Pastorals’ Perceptions of Lake Basaka's Water Quality Concerning Its Impact on Sheep and Goat Production in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess pastoral perceptions of lake Basaka saline water concerning the effects on sheep and goat production in great Ethiopia's mid-rift valley. Fourteen focus group discussions with livestock owners and 15 key informant interviews were done in selected areas, and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire guide. The survey study report showed that pastoral and agropastoral were common production systems with diverse species of livestock with goat and sheep in dominance. Feed scarcity, drought, and water problems were the major constraints to sheep and goat production and productivity. While lake Basaka water is not good for the drinking of sheep and goats because of its salinity content, it was a major water source for their animals, especially during dry seasons. Seasons and climate conditions were varied the salinity contents of lake Basaka water and had negative effects on livestock production and health. However, goats are more tolerant of the drinking lake Basaka than sheep in the study area.  Based on the pastoral perceptions, in dry regions including the study area, where feed is scarce both in quantity, long-term drinking naturally saline water of lake Basaka is not safe for livestock species, especially during dry seasons. These findings are useful for policymakers and organizations working on projects aimed at increasing the resilience of pastoralists, while future research could identify appropriate technologies to help alleviate these impacts.

Keywords: Water scarcity; poor water quality; small ruminants

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-17-02

Publication date:September 30^th 2021