ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND LIVELIHODS DISRUPTION IN THE DOWNSTREAM SHAFIE CATCHMENT AREA, IN MIRAB ABAYA WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The effects of climate change in variable climate a nd more extreme weather events have impacts on river flow. Accordingly, Shafi e River has impacted the socio- economy of the downstream communities in Mirab Abaya in both extreme events of climatic variability. It flows over 11.39 km in downstream via Mirab Abaya downstream kebeles before draining into the Lake Abaya. It supports 6390 household in downstream catchments and 455 hectare of their agricultural land area. On the other side it is resulted in great challenges to the study area due to frequent season al flooding, river bank detachment and removal of top soil as well as impacts on social livelihoods of the downstream communities during rainy season. This research approach followed descriptive method. The objectives of the study were to identify the imp acts of Shafie River on the socio- economy of downstream communities in the study area. Secondary data review, key informant interview, focus group discussion and household interview survey were used as methods of data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used for the data analysis. The major findings are Shafie River has negative and positive impacts on environment and livelihood of downstream communities, but there are high negative ly impacts environmental change and liveliho od disruption. During summer season the river has abnormal flooding . I t is the cause for detachment of river bank area, for the comings of sand, gravel, rock and long trees from the highland to lowlands and covered t he agricultural land ; and affected the production as well as it resulted in washed away of crops. I n addition to that, settlements homestead, human and livestock, road network and bridges are affected by over floods. Furthermore the educational activities, hea l th, and psychological disturbance are also some of the impacts that are explained. Whereas, during winter season where there is scarce rain, and there are high water using activities in upstream as a result, the flow of water reaches to downstream be decreasing. Due to high computation for irrigation conflicts are arisen .