Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

Role of social networks in coping with climate change-induced shocks in eastern Ethiopia

¹University of Kassel, Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA), Germany
²Haramaya University, Rural Development and Agricultural Innovation, Ethiopia
³University of Kassel, International Agricultural Policy and Environmental Governance, Germany

Abstract

Ethiopia has been experiencing climatic shocks such as droughts and floods, increased temperatures, and erratic rainfall. The need for urgent and effective steps to build resilience is unquestionable. To respond to and recover from climate-induced shocks, socio-cultural networks are conventional approaches that promote collective action and mutual support of various communities. As a matter of fact, the crucial roles of social networks in the resilience of communities faced with climatic-induced shocks in rural areas are still under-researched and under-conceptualised, particularly in our country. This study aimed to assess the roles of social networks in coping with climate change-induced shocks in Fedis districts, Eastern Hararghe zones of Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed research approach along with a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 210 HHs and analysed through descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. The study findings found that various climatic shocks such as droughts, erratic rainfall, human-wildlife conflict, crop failure, locust invasion, animals dead due to lack of water and postures, wind, water resources-based conflict, and floods were experienced by the community over the last five years. To respond to these shocks kin-based support, Faraka, non-kin/non-tribe networks, Hafarfata, Guza labour sharing, NGOs/PSNP, Mandara, gender-based groups, Gumata, religious-based support, and government organisation were among the social networks that were playing a significant role in coping with climate-induced shocks. But when a climatic shock is covariate and lasts longer, the social-network-based coping strategies often fail. To solve these climatic shocks sustainably from the bottleneck, both social capital practise and nature-based mitigation should be taken together.

Keywords: Climate-induced shocks, coping capacity, eastern Ethiopia, social network

Contact Address: Fuad Shuker, University of Kassel, Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA), 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany, e-mail: fuadee04gmail.com