1. Livestock-related natural resource usage and highland-lowland interdependences
Worku Chibssa (Consultant and SIT/World Learning Inc.) and Fiona Flintan (International Livestock Research Institute ILRI)
SHARE Bale Eco-Region research review and dissemination workshop, ILRI Campus Addis Ababa, 9-10 February 2017

2. Objectives The objectives of the study were:
To improve understanding on livestock-based livelihoods systems, livestock management, related land use and how these have changed over time.
To identify constraints and challenges to livestock- based livelihoods systems, livestock management, and related land use, and opportunities and options to overcome these and improve livestock systems.

3. Methodology
Comparative analysis between situation today and that in
Qualitative tools – individual semi-structured interviews (including with individual herders/land users and local government) and FGDs
Wealth ranking
Participatory mapping of natural resources used in livestock production systems and mapping of livestock routes
Mapping of routes on topographic maps; follow up on foot;
Seasonal calendars, historical trend analysis, proportional piling

4. Community drew resource and livestock route maps

7. Findings from the study: Case study of Delo Mena woreda
Delo Mena was originally part of Menu Angetu woreda together with Harena Buluk, until the two were split. As part of this split the 180,000 hectares of forest found in Menu Angetu were divided with 90,000 given to each woreda
This forested area is a highly important dry season grazing area providing respite for livestock from the dry lowland areas in the dry season
From 2000 to 2007, the livestock increased by 25%
By 2015 the total livestock increased for this area by three fold.

8. Erba and Berak PAs (villages), Delo Mena
The two areas are interconnected with sharing of resources (e.g. grazing) however relations are breaking down due to different facts including pressures on land and interventions of NGOs failing to take a landscape approach.
Community members said that today they are facing crises that they have never faced before.
There are four critical factors influencing increased concerns of community members
the enclosure of grazing areas in Berak kebele – the area used by Erba residents for wet season grazing;
the allocation of grazing areas by local government to investors;
the demarcation of the boundaries of the BMNP; and
increasing restrictions put in place by the Oromiya Forest Enterprise.

9. Conclusions
Land use planning at different levels would contribute to this common vision (participatory) – but need information such as plans for commercial investments
Scenario modeling and planning is required to identify potential solutions e.g. with or without grazing in Park
Potential for livestock intensification - need to work with government actors to improve livestock extension services
PRM has potential but needs to work as part of the larger landscape.
Conflict between attitude of Park saying ‘no’ grazing when unrealistic and keep losing opportunity for a compromise/solution of regulated use as livestock numbers continue to grow. The park needs grazing to maintain ecosystem!