Temporal climate conditions and spatial drought patterns across rangelands in pastoral areas of West Guji and Borana zones, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Climate change and its variability adversely impact pastoral livelihoods, understanding climate is important to deduce policy implications for communities. Accordingly, the aim of this study was investigate temporal conditions spatial patterns drought across rangelands in areas West Guji Borana Zones, Southern Ethiopia. Temporal were performed at rangeland level, (distributions) estimated sample Kebeles ( Kebele smallest administrative unit Ethiopia which works Duda rangeland) Reeras refer customary Zonal administration) structures. Station-satellite temperature rainfall data (38 years from 1981 2018) obtained Ethiopian Meteorological Agency. For analysis, Mann–Kendall trend test employed rainfall, patterns, while Sen’s slope used their magnitude change, coefficient variation estimate variability. Standardized precipitation index event, inverse distance-weighted method patterns. The reveals very high with notable disparities mainly attributed change. Besides, area exhibits signifying agro-ecological characteristics rangelands. In Gomole rangelands, annual increased non-significantly by 0.01 0.03 mm per annum, respectively. minimum both significantly 0.008 0.007 ℃ year, respectively, albeit maximum decreased 0.02 0.009 annum. Both experienced variability, increasing temperature, frequency severity. Therefore, outcome believed be vital identifying hotspot devising strategies that help reduce impacts on communities