ASSESSMENT ON THE STATUS, CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD: THE CASE OF MAREKO WOREDA, GURAGHAE ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study was conducted with the objective of investigating the status and challenges of rural households‟ livelihoods and their coping strategies in Mareko woreda, Guraghae zone of Southern Ethiopia. A survey research design was used and data were collected using questionnaire. A survey research design was used and data were collected using questionnaires that covered 136 respondents in three rural kebeles which were triangulated with FGDs. Focus group discussions and key informant interview were also conducted in order to support the data obtained from household survey. The study was used the systematic random sampling techniques based on the formula of Kothari (2004). The qualitative data were also analyzed and described by using qualitative methods such as narration, and generalizations. For the data analysis, descriptive analysis was employed to describe the rural livelihood resources/assets status and the different rural HHs livelihood strategy options for Mareko district. The result of the study reveals that, among the primary occupation mixed farming that is the production of main crops and livestock rearing account 87.1% for the farmers in the study area while at Dida-Halibo kebele irrigational activity accounts 3% that assists the share of an additional primary activity as their livelihood. The findings of the study indicated that rainfall variability, declining farm size, shortage of draught power and institutional deficiencies in input and credit delivery as the main constraints to rural livelihood. The contribution of non-farm sources to household income in Mareko woreda was quite low and adaptation and diversification activities were limited by asset poverty, poor access to credit and input supplies, and lack of opportunities. Finally, in order to strengthen the rural livelihood; both governmental and NGOs; specifically offices of Agriculture and Health should support the rural communities more than ever to hinder both anthropogenic and natural challenges facing the rural community at Mareko woreda.