FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF CAMEL PASTORALISM IN YABELLO DISTRICT OF BORANA ZONE, OROMIA REGION, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was conducted in Yabello district of Borana Zone in Southern Ethiopia, to assess the factors influencing adoption of camel production. During the survey, various data collection techniques such as household survey, qualitative methods including key informants interview, focus group discussion and observation were employed. One hundred fifty respondents were randomly selected for the purpose of household survey. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze and summarize the factors influencing the decision of households toward the adoption of camel production, constraints and opportunities of camel pastoralism. Inferential statistical tests such as chi-square and t-tests were also used to see the difference between adopters and non-adopters in socio-economic attributes of camel production. The result indicated that poor veterinary services, poor camel husbandry practices, risk of disease outbreaks and lack of labor force are the major hindrance factors for promotions of camel pastoralism in the study area. In the face of such challenges, increasing mortality rate of cattle due to frequent droughts, expanding of bush encroachment, market availability, improved community awareness about camel production, availability of natural mineral salt, low prevalence of predators and economic values of camels were found to be the opportunities for promotions of camel pastoralism. Camel marketing channels exist in the local market and between the local market centers to the terminal market in the region. The findings of the study revealed more rigorous research is required on contribution of camel adoptions for household food security over long period of time.