Identifying Hotspots of Overgrazing in Pastoral Areas: Livestock Mobility and Fodder Supply–Demand Balances in Nyangatom, Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia

The Nyangatom, in South Omo, Ethiopia, are a group of agro-pastoralists whose access to land is affected by large-scale sugarcane development projects. An informed selection appropriate livestock management measures local communities requires spatially explicit representation prevailing and changing supply–demand relationships for herds among the Nyangatom. This study addresses this caveat identifies seasonal location-specific ‘hotspots’ where fodder demand exceeds supply. Assessments production based on primary data collected through focus discussions, key informant interviews, field observations. Overall, annual availability estimated at 508,967 tonnes against requirement 584,205 tons, resulting deficit 12.9% annually after out-migration. Under implementation Omo-V project climate change, supply will worsen 219,977 annually. most critical dry matter hotspots found western central parts Nyangatom near Kibish River, which shows highest density. In contrast, better around southwestern northeastern parts. Change policy, frequency droughts, conflict, irrigation schemes-induced reduction Omo River floods accounted changes. Thus, there strong signals community government collaborate reduce potential constraints that affect sustainable rangeland food security ensure sufficient attention interest agro-pastoralists.