African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems | 10 July 2000
A Mixed-Methods Longitudinal Analysis of Drought-Induced Livestock Loss and Child Wasting in Pastoralist Communities of the Afar Region, Ethiopia
M, e, k, d, e, s, A, b, e, b, e, ,, A, h, m, e, d, M, o, h, a, m, m, e, d
Abstract
Pastoralist communities in the Afar Region of Ethiopia are highly vulnerable to climate shocks, with drought recurrently threatening food security. Livestock are the principal economic and nutritional asset for these populations. However, the longitudinal pathways linking livestock loss to child nutritional outcomes require clearer delineation. This study aimed to conduct a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between drought-induced livestock loss and child wasting (low weight-for-height) in Afar pastoralist communities. Its specific objectives were to quantify this association and to explore community perceptions of the underlying causal mechanisms. A concurrent mixed-methods longitudinal design was employed. Quantitatively, repeated household surveys measured livestock holdings and the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of children under five. Qualitatively, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers, community elders, and health extension workers to contextualise the quantitative data. A one-unit loss in tropical livestock units was associated with a 1.3-fold increased odds of child wasting over the study period. Qualitative analysis identified a central theme of ‘cascading deprivation’. Livestock loss led directly to reduced milk consumption, increased reliance on low-quality market foods, and distress migration, which collectively exacerbated child malnutrition. Drought-induced livestock loss is a significant direct driver of child wasting in these pastoralist communities. The erosion of this core asset triggers a cascade of negative coping strategies that systematically undermine child nutrition. Nutrition-sensitive resilience programmes should prioritise livestock protection and livelihood diversification. Public health interventions must be integrated with climate adaptation strategies to address the underlying causes of food insecurity. Child wasting, drought, livestock, pastoralist, mixed methods, Ethiopia, nutrition, climate resilience This study provides novel longitudinal evidence on the quantifiable link between livestock loss and child wasting, enriched by community-identified mechanisms. It underscores the necessity of integrated climate and health approaches for pastoralist populations.