Abstract:
The study aimed at identifying the major challenges and prospects of drought risk management
(DRM) and its contribution to food security in Dekasufu woreda, Ethiopian Somali Regional
State. In so doing elements of drought risk management and practices were explored. The
research has attempted to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data gathered through key
informant information and focus group discussion and direct observation of the area and efforts
of DRM. The respondents were of two categories – the local people and representatives of DRM
committee. From the total of 4515 people living in 4 Kebles 332 randomly selected respondents
were participated in responding to the structured interview. From wereda DRM committee 6
officials participated in individual interview and focus group discussion. From the Kebele DRM
committee 12 individuals participated in focus group discussion. To analyze the data descriptive
statistics were used. The results of the study revealed that the DRM is showing positive trend in
achieving some of its objectives. That is the program in the study area seems successful in
smoothing household consumption and saving the lives of people from hunger and diseases. But
the program’s contribution in terms of asset building, long term food security is not significant.
Despite some positive achievements in the study area, a number of challenges have been
encountered. Community participation is low in environmental conservation strategy. One to
five core groupings’ effort is less in raising community awareness on the modern practices and
diversifying income groups; providing initial and technical services. The study also revealed that
there was less participation of female household heads in the planning of DRM activities.
Therefore, to solve the problems faced and enhance the positive achievement some critical
recommendations were suggested. Diversification through crop - live stock integration; giving
due attention to available local resources and other improved drought resistant and early
maturing crop varieties and reinforcing the existing off-farm employment and other non-farm
viable activities (like petty trading and variable handcrafts), maintenance of non- functional
water schemes, community participation in environmental conservation strategy, were to
mention some.
