Diversification and Development in Pastoralist Ethiopia

SummaryRecent droughts in the Horn of Africa have again raised concerns over the viability of pastoralism. Vulnerability to drought, arguably increasing on the back of climate change and population pressures, provides a compelling justification for encouraging economic diversification. It is less clear, however, which specific social or economic sectors can provide pro-poor economic transformation. In this paper we assess the potential for diversification into both sedentary agricultural and non-farm activities in Ethiopia. We conclude that while irrigation and large farm investments do have sizeable potential to create jobs, education should be the central pillar of diversification strategies in pastoralist areas.