Exploring the challenges and prospects of villagization program in afar national regional state, Ethiopia

The issue of villagization program in pastoral area now has wide currency all over the world and in Ethiopia as well, especially on those attempts to reduce poverty and provide basic social services for pastoralists. This paper tried to explore the challenges and prospects of villagization program in Afar National Regional State. Out of nine woredas, six of them were selected purposely in this study. Purposive sampling was also utilized to select participants. The primary data were generated using in-depth interview, focus group discussion, ethnographic conversations, field observation and questionnaires. The study found out that the implementation level of the program varied across years and woredas. The total implementation plan of the program in the last three years was below expected. Provision of basic social services remained inadequate in some villagizationcenters. Lack of awareness creation, inadequate implementation capacity, lack of clean water and lack and/or delay of farmland distribution were the main challenges contributed to the under-implementation of the program. Thus, provision of basic social services, strengthening community participation and ensuring pastoralists’ land ownership deed are highly required for the betterment of the villagization program.