Climate Crisis Forces Transformation in Afar, Ethiopia

The Afar region of northern Ethiopia is experiencing significant climate challenges that are reshaping the traditional pastoralist lifestyle. Historically characterized by mobility and livestock rearing, the area is now facing intensified droughts and unpredictable weather patterns, which are forcing communities to adapt their livelihoods. Habtamu Ebrie, who leads the World Food Programme's (WFP) efforts in Afar, notes that droughts that once occurred every decade are now annual events, severely impacting the herds that represent the material wealth of local families.

The Independent

Residents like Said Muhaba, a father of six, have transitioned from traditional pastoralism to agro-pastoralism due to the increasing frequency of droughts. After losing livestock to harsh conditions, Said settled down to farm tomatoes and other crops, allowing him to maintain a connection to both livestock and agriculture. He states, “Now, with both animals and crops, we feel more confident about the future.” Similarly, Amina, another resident, has also adapted her practices, now farming maize while tending to her goats and sheep.

The Independent

Despite the shift to farming, the challenges remain significant. Farmers like Saidou, who also transitioned to agriculture, report difficulties in irrigation due to low water levels in the Awash River, limiting their harvests. Extreme weather events, such as floods, have further complicated farming efforts, damaging crops and making recovery difficult. Saidou emphasizes the unpredictability of the rainy seasons, stating, “We never know these days if the rainy season is going to be helpful, or if it is going to destroy everything.”

The Independent

The transition from pastoralism to farming is not solely driven by climate change; it is also influenced by land rights issues. Ian Scoones, a professor at the Institute of Development Studies, highlights how land reallocations for national parks and the sugar cane industry have displaced traditional nomadic peoples, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate impacts. Hussein Tadicha Wario from the Centre for Research and Development in Drylands cautions against oversimplifying the narrative, noting that pastoralism remains culturally significant and better suited to the dryland climate in many cases.

The Independent

Humanitarian organizations like the WFP have been instrumental in supporting Afar's inhabitants as they adapt to these changes. However, recent cuts in funding, particularly from the United States under former President Donald Trump, threaten these vital services. The WFP has reduced its workforce in Afar and scaled back its activities, leading to concerns about the resilience of local communities. Wario describes the funding cuts as an “immense setback” for resilience programs, while Scoones views the situation as a wake-up call for those involved in dryland development.

The Independent

As communities in Afar navigate these challenges, individuals like Said express a desire for a better future for their children. Said hopes to provide his children with educational opportunities that will free them from the climate-dependent lifestyle he has known. “I want them to be good students and to lead a better life,” he asserts, reflecting the aspirations of many in the region as they adapt to an uncertain climate future.

The Independent