Mekelle University

College of dry land, agriculture and natural resource

Department of agriculture and resource economics
Program of agricultural economics
Assignment of farming system and live hood
Name: Desta Kidanu
Id no: ugr/178307/12

Submitted to INS:

Submission date: /09/2017

 1. Identify the common livelihood zones of woreda enderta based on geographical
location, natural resource, cultural practice, market access and establish
livelihood map.

To identify the common livelihood zones of Woreda Enderta in Ethiopia, we can consider
several factors such as geographic allocation, natural resources, cultural practices, and market
access. While I cannot create visual maps, I can describe the potential livelihood zones based on
these criteria.

Common Livelihood Zones in Woreda Enderta

1. Highland Agricultural Zone

• Geographic Allocation: This zone is typically located in the higher elevation areas of Enderta.

• Natural Resources: Fertile volcanic soils, adequate rainfall during the main cropping season.

• Cultural Practices: Predominantly subsistence farming with crops like teff, barley, and wheat.
Traditional farming practices are common.

• Market Access: Relatively good access to markets due to proximity to urban centers; farmers
may sell surplus produce.

2. Lowland Pastoral Zone

• Geographic Allocation: Found in the lower elevation areas of Enderta.

• Natural Resources: Grazing land, seasonal rivers, and some availability of water sources.

• Cultural Practices: Pastoralism is the primary livelihood, with communities raising cattle,
sheep, and goats. Seasonal migration may occur.

• Market Access: Limited access to markets; trade often occurs at local markets or through
mobile traders.

3. Mixed Farming Zone

• Geographic Allocation: Intermediate areas between highland and lowland zones.

• Natural Resources: Combination of arable land and grazing areas; some access to irrigation.

• Cultural Practices: Farmers engage in both crop production (e.g., cereals and pulses) and
livestock rearing.

• Market Access: Moderate access to markets; farmers may sell both crops and livestock.

4. Urban Peril-Urban Zone.

 • Geographic Allocation: Areas surrounding urban centers within Woreda Enderta.

• Natural Resources: Limited agricultural land but potential for horticulture and small-scale
farming.

• Cultural Practices: Diverse livelihoods, including trading, small-scale manufacturing, and

service provision.

• Market Access: High market access due to proximity to urban centers; opportunities for
employment and trade.

Establishing a Livelihood Map

To create a livelihood map for Woreda Enderta:

1. Data Collection: Gather data on demographic information, land use patterns, resource
distribution, and economic activities through surveys, satellite imagery, and local knowledge.

2. Mapping Tools: Use GIS software or mapping tools to visually represent the different
livelihood zones based on collected data.

3. Zone Classification: Classify areas into the identified livelihood zones (Highland Agricultural,
Lowland Pastoral, Mixed Farming, Urban Peri-Urban) based on the criteria above.

4. Community Participation: Engage local communities to validate the mapping and ensure it
reflects their livelihoods accurately.

5. Analysis and Updates: Regularly update the map to reflect changes due to environmental
factors, market dynamics, or social changes.

This approach will help in understanding the diverse livelihoods present in Woreda Enderta and
assist in planning for development interventions tailored to each zone's needs.

2. Describe the Characteristics of rural livelihoods diversification.

Rural livelihoods diversification refers to the process by which households in rural areas expand
their sources of income and activities beyond traditional farming. This strategy can enhance
resilience, reduce vulnerability, and improve overall well-being. Here are some key
characteristics of rural livelihoods diversification:

1. Multiple Income Sources

• Variety of Activities: Households engage in a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural

activities, such as livestock rearing, small-scale trading, crafts, and wage labor.
 • Seasonal Variation: Income sources may vary by season, with agricultural activities
concentrated during planting and harvesting periods, while non-farm work may fill gaps.

2. Risk Management

• Income Stability: Diversification helps reduce dependence on a single income source,

mitigating risks associated with crop failure, market fluctuations, or climate change.

• Buffer against Shocks: Having multiple income streams allows households to better
withstand economic shocks or environmental stressors.

3. Increased Resilience

• Adaptation to Change: Diversified livelihoods enable households to adapt to changing

economic conditions, such as shifts in market demand or environmental challenges.

• Social Capital: Engaging in various activities can strengthen community ties and networks,
enhancing social support systems.

4. Skill Development

• Acquisition of New Skills: Diversification often requires learning new skills, which can
improve productivity and increase income potential.

• Education and Training: Access to training programs or education can facilitate

diversification by equipping individuals with relevant skills for non-farm employment.

5. Market Access

• Local and Regional Markets: Diversified livelihoods may involve participation in local
markets, enhancing access to goods and services.

• Value Chains: Households may engage in value-added activities, such as processing

agricultural products or creating artisanal goods for sale.

6. Gender Dynamics

• Role of Women: Diversification often empowers women by providing them with

opportunities for income generation outside traditional roles.

• Shifts in Responsibilities: As households diversify, gender roles may evolve, leading to

changes in responsibilities related to income generation and household management.

7. Resource Utilization

• Sustainable Practices: Diversification can promote sustainable use of natural resources, as

households may adopt practices that enhance soil health or water conservation.
 • Complementary Activities: Different livelihood activities can complement each other; for
example, livestock may provide manure for crops, enhancing agricultural productivity.

3. Identify the important contributions and constraints of rural livelihood

diversification.

Rural livelihood diversification plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience and economic
stability of rural households. However, it also faces several constraints that can hinder its
effectiveness. Here’s an overview of the important contributions and constraints of rural
livelihood diversification:

Important Contributions

1. Income Stability and Resilience:

• Diversification reduces dependence on a single income source, thus minimizing vulnerability

to economic shocks, climate change, and market fluctuations.

2. Enhanced Food Security:

• By engaging in multiple income-generating activities, households can improve their food

security through increased purchasing power and access to diverse food sources.

3. Economic Growth:

• Diversified livelihoods contribute to local economic development by stimulating various

sectors, creating jobs, and increasing demand for goods and services.

4. Skill Development:

• Households often acquire new skills through diversification, enhancing their employability
and productivity in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

5. Social Capital and Community Cohesion:

• Engaging in diverse activities can strengthen community ties and networks, fostering
collaboration and mutual support among community members.

6. Sustainable Resource Management:

• Diversification can promote sustainable practices, as households may adopt environmentally

friendly methods that enhance the productivity of both agricultural and non-agricultural
activities.

7. Empowerment of Marginalized Groups:

 • Diversification often provides opportunities for women and marginalized groups to
participate in income-generating activities, thereby improving gender equity and social inclusion.

Constraints

1. Limited Access to Resources:

• Households may face challenges in accessing financial resources, land, technology, and
inputs necessary for diversifying their livelihoods effectively.

2. Lack of Skills and Education:

• Insufficient education or training can limit the ability of individuals to engage in non-farm
activities or adopt new techniques that enhance productivity.

3. Market Barriers:

• Poor infrastructure, lack of market information, and limited access to markets can hinder the
ability to sell diversified products or services.

4. Seasonality of Income:

• Many diversified activities are seasonal, leading to fluctuations in income that can create
financial instability for households.

5. Policy and Institutional Gaps:

• Inadequate government policies or support systems may fail to promote diversification or

provide necessary services such as extension support and training.

6. Cultural Norms and Gender Roles:

• Traditional gender roles may restrict women's participation in certain economic activities,
limiting opportunities for diversification.

7. Environmental Challenges:

• Environmental degradation, climate change, and natural disasters can impact both agricultural
and non-agricultural activities, undermining diversification efforts.

8. Competition and Market Saturation:

• Increased competition in certain sectors may lead to market saturation, reducing profitability
for diversified activities.

4. Explain the indicators and measurements of livelihood security in woreda

enderta.
Livelihood security refers to the ability of households or communities to secure sufficient and
sustainable means of living, ensuring that they can meet their basic needs over time. In the
context of Woreda Enderta, located in the tigray region of Ethiopia, measuring livelihood
security involves a combination of indicators that reflect economic, social, and environmental
factors.

Indicators of Livelihood Security

1. Income Levels:

• Measurement: Average household income from various sources (agricultural, non-

agricultural, remittances, etc.). Surveys can be conducted to collect data on monthly or annual
income.

2. Access to Resources:

• Measurement: Access to land, water, credit, and agricultural inputs. This can be assessed
through surveys that ask about ownership and availability of these resources.

3. Health and Nutrition:

• Measurement: Health indicators such as child malnutrition rates (stunting and wasting),
access to healthcare services, and prevalence of diseases. Data can be gathered from health
facilities and community surveys.

4. Education Levels:

• Measurement: Literacy rates, school enrollment ratios, and educational attainment levels
among adults and children. This can be measured through census data or specific educational
surveys.

5. Social Capital:

• Measurement: Community engagement and participation in local organizations, trust levels

among community members, and support networks. Qualitative assessments through focus group
discussions can provide insights.

6. Asset Ownership:

• Measurement: The value and diversity of assets owned by households, including livestock,
agricultural tools, and household goods. Household surveys can capture this information.

7. Access to Markets:
 • Measurement: Distance to markets, availability of market infrastructure (roads, storage
facilities), and market participation rates. Surveys can help assess how easily households can sell
their products.

Methods of Measurement

• Surveys and Questionnaires: Conducting structured surveys with household heads to collect
quantitative data on income, assets, food security, and other indicators.

• Focus Group Discussions: Engaging community members in discussions to gather qualitative

insights into their perceptions of livelihood security and challenges faced.

• Key Informant Interviews: Interviewing local leaders, agricultural extension workers, and
health professionals for expert opinions on the state of livelihood security in the area.

• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Involving community members in mapping exercises,

ranking exercises, and seasonal calendars to identify key issues related to their livelihoods.

. Secondary Data Analysis: Utilizing existing data from government reports, NGOs, and
academic studies to complement primary data collection efforts.

• Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks: Establishing a systematic approach for tracking

changes in livelihood security over time through regular assessments.

END