Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction

Livestock farming constitutes 80% of economic and livelihood source for Liben zone. Pastoralists and agro-pastoralists are heavily dependent on livestock and their products. This strong dependence on one source of income makes them extremely vulnerable.

Despite the zone being strategically located at border points with Somalia and North-Eastern Kenya and serving as an important trade center, Dolo Ado remains dependent on livestock farming. Recurrent droughts and related natural resource degradation means forage remains in large deficit while pastoralists’ lack of experience in hay aggravates the problem even further. Due to this, the main source of water for Dolo-Ado is pond water, for both human needs and livestock. The community is exposed to water-borne diseases as the pond water is mostly unclean.

The degradation of ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and drylands, is a major driver of disaster risk and a key component of disaster vulnerability in the area. Deforested slopes can cause more landslides, while encroachment of wetlands can worsen flooding.

Target groups

The project targets communities of the Liben and Fafan area, with a particular focus on the condition of Female households, Youth, Women, Households and community groups having land and water resources that require rehabilitation and management are specifically targeted. The project is working towards benefitting 15,011 people.

Project Objectives

Enhancing the resilience of 44,000 community members to disasters (including from climate risks) in Fafan and Liben zones in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.