The Forgotten Drought of Borana Zone, Ethiopia: A Tragedy of Lives and Livelihoods

 

By Getinet Babu 

 

In a world where news about natural disasters and humanitarian crises seem to dominate the headlines, it is not uncommon for certain events to go overlooked or underreported. The recent drought in Borana Zone, Ethiopia is one such example. Despite the devastating impact it has had on the lives and livelihoods of the pastoralist communities in the area, the world has remained largely silent.

 

The Borana Zone, located in southern Ethiopia, is home to a large population of pastoralist communities who rely on their livestock for their livelihood. However, in recent years, the area has been hit by a series of droughts that have had a catastrophic impact on the local population. The latest drought, which began in 2021, has been particularly severe and has led to the death of thousands of livestock, leaving the pastoralist communities with little to no means of supporting themselves.


The loss of livestock is not just a financial loss to the pastoralist communities, but it also has a profound impact on their way of life. In Borana, livestock are not just a source of income, they are also a symbol of wealth, status and cultural heritage. The death of their animals is a painful reminder of their vulnerability and the harsh realities of life in the face of climate change.


Picture credit public   search engine on Borane picture 


The impact of the drought has also been felt in other ways. The lack of food and water for the livestock has led to a decline in their health and productivity, which in turn has led to a decline in the quality of their milk and meat. This, in turn, has a ripple effect on the local economy, as the pastoralist communities are no longer able to sell their products at the same price they once did.

 In addition to the loss of livestock and decline in the local economy, the drought has also led to an increase in water-borne diseases and malnutrition among the local population. With limited access to clean water and food, the pastoralist communities are struggling to survive.

 

The tragedy of the forgotten drought in Borana Zone highlights the importance of addressing the issue of climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities. It is imperative that the international community takes action to support the pastoralist communities of Borana, providing them with the resources they need to recover from this devastating event and build a more resilient future.

 

In conclusion, the forgotten drought of Borana Zone is a tragedy that demands our attention and action. The death of livestock and the loss of livelihoods of the pastoralist communities is a reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the urgent need to address it. We must stand in solidarity with the people of Borana and work towards a future where they are not forgotten and are able to thrive, despite the challenges they face.

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