Assessment of Pastorals’ Perceptions of Lake Basaka's Water Quality Concerning Its Impact on Sheep and Goat Production in Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess pastoral perceptions lake Basaka saline water concerning the effects on sheep and goat production in great Ethiopia's mid-rift valley. Fourteen focus group discussions with livestock owners 15 key informant interviews were done selected areas, both quantitative qualitative data collected using a questionnaire guide. survey report showed that agropastoral common systems diverse species dominance. Feed scarcity, drought, problems major constraints productivity. While is not good for drinking goats because its salinity content, it source their animals, especially during dry seasons. Seasons climate conditions varied contents had negative health. However, are more tolerant than area. Based perceptions, regions including area, where feed scarce quantity, long-term naturally safe species, These findings useful policymakers organizations working projects aimed at increasing resilience pastoralists, while future research could identify appropriate technologies help alleviate these impacts. Keywords: Water scarcity; poor quality; small ruminants DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-17-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2021