The Role of Working Animals toward Livelihoods and Food Security in Selected Districts of Fafan Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Working animals play a fundamental role in human livelihoods through their direct and indirect contributions to food, financial, human and social capital. They are producing profitable livestock products, and provides support to food security and poverty reduction by increasing agricultural productivity but their roles have received less attention. The objective of this study was to examine the role of working animals toward livelihoods and food security in three districts of Fafan zone, Ethiopian Somali Region. This study showed that, different kinds of working animals were kept for multipurpose role, including camels, cattle, goats and sheep, donkey and little amounts of poultry in Jigjiga district (Hadaw and Deghalee Kebeles). About, 10% were used for ploughing of land in Jigjiga than Awubare (19.5%) district. Their uses for carrying loads in Jigjiga was higher (42.5%) than Kebribiyah (35.5%) district when compared to other uses. All respondents agreed that, rearing working animals was easy, ecologically feasible and possible for poor stakeholders, and increase social acceptances. Accordingly, they were contribute to HHs income (22.5% by direct sale, 37.5% through their products and by products, 24% by packing, and 16% by renting). Particularly, they were assist in creation of rural and urban economic opportunities (from the practices in Jigjiga town "Biyolle-Biyyo" services to the urban inhabitant). About 45% of respondents were indicated that they were contribute to food security as a meat source, whereas, 55% were reflected that they were contribute as source of meat and milk (contains protein, minerals, vitamins, etc.) and had significant association between livelihood activities of HHs and their farming system (χ2=35.14, p=0.000), and commonly used working animals and their contribution toward food security (χ2=37.11, p=0.000). In conclusion, working animals can be used as an alternative resources for sustainable food production for human livelihoods and enhances food security for the study area and nation at large. Keywords: Food security, Livelihoods, Working animals, Alternative resource