This study explores the perceived influence of climate change on the health of Hamer pastoralists and their livestock in south-western Ethiopia. A combination of focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with Hamer communities as well as local health workers, animal health workers and non-governmental organisation (NGO) staff. Thematic framework analysis was used to analyse the data. Reductions in rangeland, erratic rainfall, recurrent droughts and loss of seasonality were perceived to be the biggest climate challenges influencing the health and livelihoods of the Hamer. Communities were travelling greater distances to access sufficient grazing lands, and this was leading to livestock deaths and increases in ethnic violence. Reductions in suitable rangeland were also precipitating disease outbreaks in animals due to increased mixing of different herds. Negative health impacts in the community stemmed indirectly from decreases in livestock production, uncertain crop harvests and increased water scarcity. The remoteness of grazing lands has resulted in decreased availability of animal milk, contributing to malnutrition in vulnerable groups, including children. Water scarcity in the region has led to utilisation of unsafe water sources resulting in diarrhoeal illnesses. Further, seasonal shifts in climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria were also acknowledged. Poorly resourced healthcare facilities with limited accessibility combined with an absence of health education has amplified the community’s vulnerability to health challenges. The resilience and ambition for livelihood diversification amongst the Hamer was evident. The introduction of camels, increase in permanent settlements and new commercial ideas were transforming their livelihood strategies. However, the Hamer lack a voice to express their perspectives, challenges and ambitions. There needs to be collaborative dynamic dialogue between pastoral communities and the policy-makers to drive sustainable development in the area without compromising the values, traditions and knowledge of the pastoralists.

中文翻译：

---

考察当地关于气候变化对埃塞俄比亚哈默牧民及其牲畜健康影响的看法

本研究探讨了气候变化对埃塞俄比亚西南部哈默牧民及其牲畜健康的感知影响。对哈默社区以及当地卫生工作者、动物卫生工作者和非政府组织 (NGO) 工作人员进行了焦点小组讨论和关键知情人访谈的结合。使用专题框架分析来分析数据。牧场减少、降雨不规律、反复干旱和季节性丧失被认为是影响哈默人健康和生计的最大气候挑战。社区为了获得足够的牧场而旅行更远的距离，这导致牲畜死亡和种族暴力的增加。由于不同畜群的混合增加，适宜牧场的减少也加速了动物疾病的爆发。对社区的负面健康影响间接源于畜牧生产的减少、作物收成的不确定性和水资源短缺的加剧。牧场地处偏远导致动物奶供应减少，导致包括儿童在内的弱势群体营养不良。该地区缺水导致使用不安全的水源，导致腹泻病。此外，还承认疟疾等气候敏感疾病的季节性变化。资源匮乏、可及性有限的医疗保健设施，加上缺乏健康教育，加剧了社区对健康挑战的脆弱性。哈默人对生计多样化的适应力和雄心是显而易见的。骆驼的引进、永久定居点的增加和新的商业理念正在改变他们的生计策略。然而，Hamer 缺乏表达他们的观点、挑战和抱负的声音。牧民社区和政策制定者之间需要开展协作、动态对话，以在不损害牧民价值观、传统和知识的情况下推动该地区的可持续发展。