A Shift from Pastoralism to Sedentary Agriculture in Apollo and Felket Areas of Eritrea: Impacts on Livelihood and Ecology

Abstract

In Eritrea, the shift to sedentary livelihood by the nomadic population has increased dramatically over the last few decades as a result of economic, political, demographic, and environmental changes. A strategic shift to more diversified livelihoods in the form of farming, petty-trade, and wage labor has been intensified due to the declining pastoral economy. This study identified environmental constraints as the main “push” factors causing many people to abandon the traditional pastoral economy, while the provision of social amenities (education, health), and pure drinking water were the “pull” factors attracting people to villages and small towns (sedentary life). The main purpose of this research paper is to provide a fresh outlook at the human and ecological circumstances that trigger the transition from pastoralism to sedentarism in Apollo and Felket areas of Eritrea. Using data gathered mainly through household questionnaire survey and focus group discussion, the paper also aims to investigate whether the changes to sedentary agriculture has led to a successful local economy. Results from this empirical research revealed that the great majority of the settled communities in the study sites get fairly adequate social services and that almost all household heads have no plan on returning to the nomadic way of life. It is anticipated the output from this study will contribute to a better understanding of traditional and changing pastoral systems in Eritrea

Keywords

• eritrea
• pastoralism
• sedentarization