Gov’t of Ethiopia Intensifies Development Plans in Pastoralist Areas: Finance Minister
Addis Ababa The government of Ethiopia is giving due emphasis to the development of pastoralist areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the inhabitants, Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, said.
Speaking with ENA, the minister said supporting the livelihoods in pastoralist areas is the fundamental strategy of the government of Ethiopia.
According to him, over the last four years, one of the reforms that the new government initiative is recognizing is the right of pastoralist to develop.
In a bid to advance the pastoral development agenda, the ministry of Irrigation and Lowland development has been established, he noted.
The ministry together with regional governments has embarked to work on pastoral development issues, he noted.
That is why we are investing more in infrastructure in low land areas, he said, adding the government is also working to create alternative livelihood for pastoralist communities.
We understand that water supply schemes are key for pastoralist, the minister said, adding that we should focus on water resources development as a viable sustainable solution even for the current crisis.
Both flood and drought affect the pastoralist communities, he said, adding we recently agreed with the World Bank to start a flood management program, the minister disclosed.
“This is very important for pastoral areas in Awash, Omo, as well as in Wabe Shebele valleys. We are going to work on early warning infrastructure to regulate the water so that floods will not affect significant people in the low lands, pastoralists’ livelihood and their assets as well.”
Integrating the pastoralist areas with the main economy is also another agenda of the government which is very important, Ahmed said.
In addition to this, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia is championing regional economic integration with a a fundamental objective to facilitating trade between our countries and the movement of people and livestock.
Border area development is a program that we are working with the World Bank, in this regard, he said.
The government of Ethiopia will continue to work on pastoral area development, he said, noting investment in education, investment in skills development, investment in infrastructure, investment in value chain are fundamental for improving the livelihood of pastoralist.
“Supporting sustainable livelihood in pastoral areas is a fundamental policy of the government. We will continue to give significant emphasis at the federal government as well,” he stated.
Research indicates that some 40 percent of the Ethiopian land is suitable for pastoralism. Some 15 to 20 million Ethiopians are pastoralist.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency