War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia

This study was conducted on the impact of war on crop and livestock productivity in selected war-affected districts of south Wollo zone. Data were gathered through questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data we...

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Main Authors: Aleme Asresie, Ali Seid, Seid Hussen Muhie, Seid Hassen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-03-01
Series:Scientific African
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227625000596
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author Aleme Asresie
Ali Seid
Seid Hussen Muhie
Seid Hassen
author_facet Aleme Asresie
Ali Seid
Seid Hussen Muhie
Seid Hassen
author_sort Aleme Asresie
collection DOAJ
description This study was conducted on the impact of war on crop and livestock productivity in selected war-affected districts of south Wollo zone. Data were gathered through questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data were analyzed using SAS software, while qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and narratively. The findings show that the war has had a devastating effect on agriculture, resulting in significant losses in crop yields and revenues, as well as a reduction in livestock numbers. Specifically, 28.5–33 % of smallholder farmers suffered a loss of over 83 % of their expected yield of major cereals, and 20–28 % lost over 94 % of their revenue from cash crops. Livestock were also severely impacted, with cattle being the most affected, accounting for 151.9 TLU. The war has significantly reduced livestock populations due to theft, slaughter, and casualties from artillery strikes. An overwhelming 96 % of respondents emphasize the urgent need for targeted assistance to sustain their livelihoods. Although food aid remains the primary form of support provided by stakeholders in the affected regions, it falls short of addressing the widespread demand. To effectively mitigate these challenges, it is imperative to deliver immediate agricultural interventions, expand food aid programs, establish financial support systems, and advocate for peace and security measures. Furthermore, the formulation of long-term agricultural development strategies, coupled with robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, will be critical. Strategic collaboration with non-governmental and international organizations is essential to enable smallholder farmers to recover and sustain their crops and livestock, thereby enhancing food security in war-affected regions.
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spelling doaj-art-292b433b3eb547ebb8f0d3076c0648412025-08-20T03:01:42ZengElsevierScientific African2468-22762025-03-0127e0258910.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02589War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern EthiopiaAleme Asresie0Ali Seid1Seid Hussen Muhie2Seid Hassen3Department of Animal Sciences, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, EthiopiaDepartment of Animal Sciences, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, EthiopiaDepartment of Plant Sciences, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia; Corresponding author.Department of Plant Sciences, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, EthiopiaThis study was conducted on the impact of war on crop and livestock productivity in selected war-affected districts of south Wollo zone. Data were gathered through questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data were analyzed using SAS software, while qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and narratively. The findings show that the war has had a devastating effect on agriculture, resulting in significant losses in crop yields and revenues, as well as a reduction in livestock numbers. Specifically, 28.5–33 % of smallholder farmers suffered a loss of over 83 % of their expected yield of major cereals, and 20–28 % lost over 94 % of their revenue from cash crops. Livestock were also severely impacted, with cattle being the most affected, accounting for 151.9 TLU. The war has significantly reduced livestock populations due to theft, slaughter, and casualties from artillery strikes. An overwhelming 96 % of respondents emphasize the urgent need for targeted assistance to sustain their livelihoods. Although food aid remains the primary form of support provided by stakeholders in the affected regions, it falls short of addressing the widespread demand. To effectively mitigate these challenges, it is imperative to deliver immediate agricultural interventions, expand food aid programs, establish financial support systems, and advocate for peace and security measures. Furthermore, the formulation of long-term agricultural development strategies, coupled with robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, will be critical. Strategic collaboration with non-governmental and international organizations is essential to enable smallholder farmers to recover and sustain their crops and livestock, thereby enhancing food security in war-affected regions.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227625000596WarCrop productionFood securityLivestock productionMitigation strategy
spellingShingle Aleme Asresie
Ali Seid
Seid Hussen Muhie
Seid Hassen
War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia
Scientific African
War
Crop production
Food security
Livestock production
Mitigation strategy
title War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia
title_full War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia
title_fullStr War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia
title_full_unstemmed War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia
title_short War and its impact on farmers' crop and livestock productivity in south Wollo zone, northeastern Ethiopia
title_sort war and its impact on farmers crop and livestock productivity in south wollo zone northeastern ethiopia
topic War
Crop production
Food security
Livestock production
Mitigation strategy
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227625000596
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