Determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in Borena pastoralist communities of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract Background Livelihood diversification strategies play a key role in development process. However, identification of the factors that determine households’ choice of livelihood strategies of pastoralists has received little attention. This research was therefore proposed with the aim of generating location specific data on livelihood strategies and its determinants in Borena district of southern Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods Multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 110 household heads from three kebeles of Borena district. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model have been employed to analyze the data. Result and conclusion The income portfolio analysis revealed that pastoral production still plays a leading role by contributing higher share of the total household income. Different socioeconomic characteristics of the household significantly influence the level of livelihood diversification. Age of household head, farm input use, extension contact, market access, credit access and owned cattle size are the main factors. Therefore, household livelihoods are highly diverse and policy makers need to reflect on the most suitable ways of supporting this diversity and they should empower pastoralists to engage with policy formulation on more appropriate pastoral legislation that protect pastoral land rights and sustainable livelihoods options