Livelihood changes and opportunities in seven localities of the Red Sea State

Abstract EN

This study was conducted in 2010 to explore and analyze the livelihood systems changes in seven localities of Red Sea State.

The study primary objective was to contribute to effective future planning by encouraging the adoption of sustainable livelihood approaches in rural development through research, policy guidance and practices.

The study methodology comprised of Primary data collection which involved both qualitative and quantitative surveys carried out with stakeholders in different agro-ecological zones.

The Red Sea State (RSS) was arbitrary divided into three zones to facilitate better selection of targeted areas.

Samples were withdrawn from seven localities, and eighteen sites in the RSS.

Data was collected through questionnaire, Group and key informant interviews.

The main findings of the study indicated that rural livelihood systems witnessed a radical change during eighties and early nineties due several economic pressures.

Some of the pastoralist became rural sedentary; others migrated to urban centers, suburbs and squatter sites.

During the last five years (2005—2010) collected study data, suggested mobile pastoralists has declined by 37% due to state negative policies; unemployment and erosion of livestock assets.

The role undertaken by relief operations saved many lives although the unplanned distribution arrangements created grouping places that caused over grazing and resulted in land degradation.(natural asset depletion).

-There is a shift towards petty trade; charcoal production and mining (gold).

The growth in border trade, coastal towns demand and decline of dock labor opportunities were also evident.

Immigration to other places was practiced as an adaptive strategy.