Assessment of Water Shortage in Agro-Pastoral Communities in Guriel District, Somalia
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Date
2024
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of water scarcity on agro-pastoral communities of Guriel district, Somalia. The study explores the effects of water shortages from historical, theoretical, conceptual, and contextual perspectives. Specifically, it aims to assess the effects of water shortages on crop production, domestic animal keeping, and revenue-generating activities within these communities. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected using questionnaires and interviews with 318 and 12 respondents, respectively. The findings reveal that water scarcity significantly impacts agricultural productivity, resulting in reduced crop yields. There was a negative and significant connection between domestic animal husbandry and water scarcity, indicating that as water shortages increase, domestic animal keeping declines. The study suggests that regions prone to water shortages should implement water conservation programmes to provide irrigation during times of scarcity. Introducing water-efficient crops and water shortage-resistant cultivars is recommended to enhance resilience against water scarcity and reduce crop failure during dry spells. To improve range management and reduce pastoralists' vulnerability to drought, significant investments in infrastructure, human resources, and range management techniques are essential.