Participatory livestock movement routes and resource mapping in pastoral areas of Oromia and Somali Regions, southern Ethiopia

Pastoralism is both a way of life, and a livelihood strategy for millions of people around the world and for more than four million people in Ethiopia. Better understanding of pastoralist routes allows improved delivery of services, contributing to sustainable development, and poverty reduction. Livestock routes and resource mapping was conducted from December 2019 to December 2022 using participatory mapping approaches in key pastoral areas of the Somali region and Oromia region in southern Ethiopia. In total, 96 livestock routes, 14 livestock markets, 49 animal health posts, 44 human health posts, and 142 livestock watering and salt lick points were identified and mapped by participants in the study areas. Just under 10% (n = 9) of mapped livestock routes were non-functional at the time of mapping because of poor provision of services and lack of security along the routes, limiting access to grazing resources and precipitating over-grazing in accessible rangelands. Mapping, servicing, and protecting livestock routes and resources in pastoralist areas is vital for delivering development activities tailored to the pastoral community. This research provides essential information on the location and status of livestock routes and resources for the government and other stakeholders, and the methods presented can be applied to serve other pastoralist systems.