Sedentarization in Filtu Woreda, Ethiopia: Impacts on Health, Ecology and Society
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Sedentarization in Filtu Woreda, Ethiopia: Impacts on Health, Ecology and Society Kari Vrålstad Master Thesis 2010 Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Noragric The Department of International Environment and Development Studies, Noragric, is the international gateway for the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB). Eight departments, associated research institutions and the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine in Oslo. Established in 1986, Noragric’s contribution to international development lies in the interface between research, education (Bachelor, Master and PhD programs) and assignments. The Noragric Master theses are the final theses submitted by students in order to fulfill the requirements under the Noragric Master program “International Environmental Studies”, “Development Studies” and other Master programs. The findings in this thesis do not necessarily reflect the views of Noragric. Extracts from this publication may only be reproduced after prior consultation with the author and on condition that the source is indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation contact Noragric. © Kari Vrålstad, May 2010 [email protected] Noragric Department of International Environment and Development Studies P.O. Box 5003 N-1432 Ås Norway Tel.: +47 64 96 52 00 Fax: +47 64 96 52 01 Internet: http://www.umb.no/noragric II Abstract This thesis is about the sedentarization process in Filtu Woreda of the Somali Region in Ethiopia. Sedentarization is described as the transition from a more nomadic to a less nomadic or sedentary livelihood for pastoralists. In Filtu Woreda, this transition is occurring due to many reasons, among them drought, pressure from governments, and demand for education and development. The sedentarization process has, however, both positive and negative impacts on the pastoral livelihoods. In terms of Health, the sedentary life has enabled pastoralists to access health services, water and sanitation facilities, but it has also increased the risks of disease transmission and poorer nutrition. When sanitation facilities, health services and safe water quality lack in settled communities the consequences can be fatal. In terms of Ecology , the sedentarization process naturally leads to higher density of humans and animals, and thus often higher pressure on pastures in the same area. In Filtu Woreda, the respondents linked the increased density to reduced grass, bush encroachment and less rainfall, although no direct connection between these factors is documented in this thesis. Sedentarization had also enabled the pastoralists to engage more in agriculture, at the same time as this indicated a shift from a livestock-based economy with primarily home consumption to a more marked-oriented economy. In terms of Society , the sedentarization process did not seem to impact the rates of conflicts in the visited area, however examples from similar processes exemplifies the importance of awareness and carefulness when such processes are encouraged. The thesis further highlights the positive impact of education from the sedentarization process in Filtu Woreda; and the access to water which has changed pastoralists’ livelihood tremendously. Lastly, the thesis looks into the impacts on gender roles, culture, community and participation, which shows positive trends as well as further challenges. It is the impression of the researcher that the sedentarization process in Filtu Woreda is both loved and disliked among the respondents, although none of them regretted the choice to settle. It had met some demands, and created others; it had brought improvement to their livelihood, but also some challenges. These different impacts of the sedentarization process are discovered and described in this thesis in order to improve the policies and activities of development schemes targeting pastoralists in the transition from a nomadic to a sedentary life. IV Acknowledgements Many fantastic and helpful individuals and groups deserve honor and thanks for their contributions to this research: - All the staff at Filtu Water and Sanitation Project for their practical facilitation, transport help, knowledge and humor throughout the fieldwork - A special thank to Hilka Hares and the Kiplesund family for their kindness, hospitality, encouragement and fellowship, and for transport back and forth from Addis Abeba - Norwegian Lutheran Mission in Ethiopia, for accommodation, facilitation and friendships - All the household contributors, life-story respondents, village leaders, and all the other hospitable people in the kebeles visited - My committed interpreters; Hassan and Hakima, for their local knowledge, patience and talks - My enthusiastic supervisor, Ingrid Nyborg, for all her comments and encouragements - Local governments that allowed me to come, and the representatives at the Filtu Woreda Education Office, Health and Sanitation Office, Women’s Office, Agricultural Office, and Water Office - New friends and curious children in Filtu, for their humor and necessary distractions - UMB and NORAGRIC - My dear Jørgen, for encouraging, supporting and missing me - God; for taking care of me through everything V VI Contents ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................... IV ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................... V FIGURES, TABLES AND PICTURES ............................................................................................... 1 ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 2 LOCAL EXPRESSIONS ....................................................................................................................... 2 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 3 2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND .............................................................................................. 7 Pastoralism ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Sedentarization ................................................................................................................................................. 12 3. CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 15 Somali pastoralists ............................................................................................................................................ 15 Government, governance and Ethiopian Somalis ............................................................................................ 17 Filtu Woreda and its People ............................................................................................................................. 19 Filtu Water and Sanitation Project ................................................................................................................... 21 4. METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 25 Research strategy ............................................................................................................................................. 25 Research Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Ethics and Limitations ....................................................................................................................................... 29 5. NOMADIC VERSUS SETTLED ............................................................................................... 31 6. HEALTH ..................................................................................................................................... 37 Health ............................................................................................................................................................... 37 Nutrition ........................................................................................................................................................... 43 Infant Mortality ................................................................................................................................................ 47 Sanitation and Hygiene ..................................................................................................................................... 50 Water ................................................................................................................................................................ 55 Policies, practices and possibilities ................................................................................................................... 59 7. ECOLOGY ................................................................................................................................... 61 Sedentarization and Changes in Ecology: basic findings .................................................................................. 61 Drought, Grass and Bush Encroachment .......................................................................................................... 63 Livestock ..........................................................................................................................................................