Harnessing Livestock Water and Pasture Monitoring and Early Warning Systems for Anticipatory Action to Strengthen Resilience of Pastoral Communities in Ethiopia: A Qualitative Multi-Stakeholder Analysis

Abstract

Ethiopian pastoralist communities are facing a recurrent drought crisis that significantly affects the availability of water and pasture resources for communities dependent on livestock. The increasing intensity, duration and frequency of droughts in the pastoral community in Ethiopia have drawn the attention of multiple stakeholders and increased stakeholder debates on the role of early warning systems (EWSs) for anticipatory action to build climate resilience in the pastoral community. The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), in collaboration with various partners, has developed an interactive web-based digital EWS to provide near real-time information on water and pasture conditions in pastoral and agro-pastoral regions of Ethiopia. In this study, a stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify key stakeholders, understand stakeholder needs, and facilitate collaboration towards sustaining the EWS. The stakeholder analysis revealed the roles and information needs of key actors engaged in livestock water and pasture monitoring and early warning systems aimed at improving the pastoral communities’ resilience. The analysis showed a pressing need for access to real-time information on water and pasture availability and seasonal climate forecasts by local communities for effective and optimal resources management. Local and national governments need similar data for evidence-based decision-making in resource allocation and policy development. International and non-governmental organizations (INGOs) require the same information for efficient humanitarian responses and targeted development interventions. The private sector seeks insights into market dynamics to better align production strategies with community needs. An EWS serves as a vital tool for development partners, facilitating improved planning, coordination, and impact assessment. It also emphasizes the importance of proactive collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, INGOs, and academic and research institutions. Enhanced communication strategies, such as partnerships with local media, are essential for timely information dissemination. Ultimately, sustained collaboration and adaptive strategies are crucial for optimizing the impact of an EWS towards improving the livelihoods and resilience of pastoral communities amid climate variability.

1. Introduction

In the Horn of Africa, a cyclical drought threatens the vital water and pasture resources of the livestock-dependent pastoral communities [1,2,3]. The agro-pastoral system of the region is facing several years of drought, and five consecutive failed rainy seasons have left around 23 million people food-insecure in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia [1]. Climate variability has a significant impact on pastoral communities in Ethiopia, as it disrupts their livelihoods and resource management [4,5]. In Ethiopia, the livestock sector accounts for a share of 40% of agricultural gross domestic product, 20% of export earnings and 19% of the country’s overall GDP [6]. Nevertheless, this sector has its advantages for Ethiopia; the livestock-producing regions of Ethiopia have been affected by recurrent drought [4,7] and have lost millions of heads of livestock. In the Ethiopian pastoral regions, conflicts are common and are usually related to water and pasture resources.

The recurrent droughts have caused significant livestock losses in the Borana pastoral area due to their increasing intensity, duration and frequency [4,8,9,10,11]. The extreme drought that rocked the Borena, Somali, and Afar regions during 2021–2022 caused previously unnoticed livestock losses [12]. Tegegne [4] assessed the climate change impacts on droughts in the Borana zone and concluded that the droughts’ intensity, duration and frequency will dramatically increase in the future. In this direction, decision-makers require access to real-time information on pasture and water availability in order to properly manage the effects of drought on livestock production. It should be noted that developing drought management strategies is necessary to address the problems and improve climate resilience in the pastoral community [6]. Thus, an Early Warning System (EWS) is essential for pastoral communities to plan ahead and manage the effects of drought on populations, ecosystems, and livelihoods [13,14]. An EWS is utilized to deliver timely and precise information on the availability of pasture and water along with the seasonal climate forecasts towards improving livestock productivity and the sustainable development of pastoral communities [4]. An EWS is crucial for improving climate resilience in pastoral regions, since it provides local communities and decision-makers with real-time information on water and pasture availability, so they can promptly prepare drought management plans [15,16,17]. An EWS ought to be established to address the interdependence between early warning, action, and finance towards improving multiscale organizational reactions to drought threats [18]. Moreover, an effective and harmonized EWS is essential to prepare ahead of drought impacts and facilitate timely interventions before conditions worsen [1]. Consequently, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), in partnership with key partners, developed and implemented a user-centered and dynamic web-based EWS known as ET–Monitoring to improve the resilience of Borana pastoralists by providing near-real-time information on water and pasture resources. Key stakeholders in the Borana zone receive timely and reliable information about pasture and water availability through this EWS, which eventually empowers livestock producers to make informed decisions. However, developing an EWS for building climate resilience in the pastoral community necessitates a systemic strategy that involves various stakeholders to address the underlying causes of vulnerability [19]. Thus, this paper aims at the stakeholder analysis to identify key actors and assess their needs and interests in the livestock water and pasture monitoring EWS.

Stakeholder analysis is a strategy used to identify key sectors along with their characteristics and interests by facilitating their involvement in a participatory process [20]. Moreover, stakeholder analysis is essential to navigate the complexities of multiple interests [21]. In this study, stakeholders are defined as organizations (international, regional, national, and local) or groups of individuals that either benefit from or are affected positively or negatively by the implementation of the livestock water and pasture monitoring and EWS. It is important to note that both government and non-governmental organizations aim to enhance an EWS for improved decision-making [22], particularly in areas vulnerable to climate shocks. To effectively engage all stakeholders with diverse interests and needs, conducting a stakeholder analysis is essential before expanding the livestock water and pasture monitoring and EWS. Stakeholder analysis can be viewed as the foundational step in determining the interests and demands of stakeholders in a participatory process [23], while also revealing both conflicting and collaborative relationships between them [24].

Stakeholder analysis plays a significant role in identifying all major actors in the management of water and pasture resources vital for livestock production, such as local communities, government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and academic and research institutions [20,25]. This study not only identified these stakeholders but also collected insights into their particular needs and interests regarding the implementation and long-term sustainability of the EWS. Additionally, this study facilitated stakeholder communication and cooperation to establish harmonized pasture and livestock water monitoring and EWS for the pastoral area. The main objectives of the stakeholder analysis in this study are to: (1) identify key stakeholders; (2) establish multi-stakeholder platforms for communication and cooperation to create a common vision for the EWS; and (3) collect relevant information about the specific needs and interests of all actors in the co-creation of the EWS. Moreover, to address these objectives, this study considered five guiding questions: (1) What information or advisories are available through the EWS that are pertinent to your organization’s activities? (2) What is the intended use of this information or advisories for your organization? (3) How can this information or advisories benefit pastoralists and agro-pastoralists? (4) Can the current EWS enhance access to real-time information or advisories, and what additional information is needed? and (5) What role can your organization play in adopting and scaling up the EWS? To address these questions, the stakeholder analysis included focused discussions during multiple workshops where participants from various sectors, including government, NGOs, academia, and local communities, shared their insights on the functionality and relevance of the EWS. This interactive stakeholder analysis approach fostered dialogue and collaboration, allowing key actors to express their views and articulate their needs. Moreover, this participatory approach ensured that the EWS is tailored to meet the actual needs of its users.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Area Description

Figure 1 depicts the Borana zone with an area of approximately 44,203 square kilometers. The Borana zone elevation varies between 439 and 2473 m above sea level. The study area is geographically extended between latitudes 3°30′ N and 5°25′ N and longitudes 36°40′ E and 39°45′ E. The Borana community’s mainstay is small-scale farming and livestock production, both of which are highly affected by the climate variability and frequent droughts. Implementing the livestock water and pasture monitoring and EWS in the Borana zone aims to strengthen pastoral communities’ climate resilience by providing timely information on water and pasture availability. This EWS is essential for improving livestock management traditional practices by enabling timely updates that help herders make informed decisions about when and where to relocate their livestock. Therefore, a stakeholder analysis involving all relevant actors in the livestock sector can enhance the functionality and scalability of the EWS.

2.2. Stakeholder Analysis Methodology

Stakeholder analysis helps to identify key actors, groups, or institutions that could have a potential impact on the success of EWS implementation and sustainability. Stakeholder analysis in this study was carried out considering a qualitative approach that included focus groups, consultative workshops, and interviews. Figure 2 shows the stakeholder analysis steps followed in this study. This stakeholder analysis approach is important to understand the influence of key actors for scaling and sustaining an EWS. Any organization or group that either benefits from or has the ability to influence the inter-sectoral collaboration and successful implementation of livestock water and pasture monitoring and an EWS at different levels, such as community, national, and regional, is considered a stakeholder in this study. Local communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, private sectors, academic and research institutions, and humanitarian groups are just a few of the key entities covered by this concept of stakeholder analysis.

The stakeholder selection process aimed to create a representative and inclusive sample of the community. To achieve this, the study utilized purposive sampling to identify key stakeholders, which included local leaders, pastoralists, government officials, representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and academic and research institutions. Qualitative data collection techniques were employed, with a focus on semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from stakeholders. These interviews allowed for flexible yet guided conversations, facilitating the exploration of diverse perspectives. For data analysis, thematic analysis was utilized to identify and interpret patterns within the qualitative data. This approach enabled the study to extract key themes and insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of the stakeholders’ views and experiences.

The local communities stand to gain the most from the EWS; thus, their participation in stakeholder analysis is essential to ensuring the system satisfies local needs. The effective integration of the EWS within the existing policy frameworks and ensuring its functionality for decision-making in livestock water and pasture resources management are the responsibilities of local, regional, and national government entities. INGOs can provide financial support, technical assistance, and experience to sustain EWS interventions in order to effectively manage drought and conflict in pastoral areas. Additionally, through market-driven strategies, the private sectors may contribute to the dissemination of relevant information and financial support for the operation of an EWS in the pastoral regions. Academic and research institutions can offer relevant data, develop innovative strategies, and carry out impact analyses towards enhancing the functionality of an EWS. Humanitarian organizations can customize the EWS to be effective and responsive during emergencies since their focus is on urgent needs and emergency responses. Mapping these multi-sectors is typically part of the stakeholder analysis process in order to evaluate their interests and potential contributions to the EWS’s sustainability and scalability. This stakeholder analysis strategy not only improves the likelihood of successful implementation but also ensures that the EWS remains responsive to the needs of all key actors in the livestock sector.

2.2.1. Stakeholder Identification

The stakeholder analysis requires a comprehensive review of the activities in livestock water and pasture monitoring and the EWS. Thus, reviewing project documentation and meeting reports is the initial step in the stakeholder analysis process in order to fully comprehend the project’s goals, scope, and operational context. By analyzing these materials, the foundational knowledge can be established that can inform subsequent steps in the stakeholder analysis process.

Three phases were taken in the stakeholder identification process [25,26]: (1) identifying experts, (2) identifying key local stakeholders, and (3) classifying identified stakeholders. Initially, several experts were listed internally by the Climate Action research team of the CIAT based on their professional experience and skills in EWSs. The snowball sampling approach was considered to increase the number of participants by having each expert indicate the name of other potential experts to involve in the stakeholder analysis. Finally, 60 experts were identified and assessed for further screening. The identified experts have knowledge about livestock water and pasture monitoring and EWSs. The organizations and institutions of the 60 experts are as follows: Local community (20%), Academia and research institutions (8.33%), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (13.33%), Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (10%), Ministry of Agriculture (11.67%), Private Sectors (6.67%), Oromia Agricultural Bureau (10%), International and Non-Governmental Organizations (8.33%), Finance institutions (6.67%), and Humanitarian Organizations (5%). This stakeholder identification stage has included several experts from diverse relevant institutions, considering their experiences towards the implementation and sustainability of an EWS.

Four essential attributes, including power, legitimacy, urgency, and proximity, were then used to identify the final list of stakeholders considered in this study [27,28,29]. The stakeholder mapping process enabled the identification of key actors, their influence, and their stakes in the EWS. Overall, the selected stakeholders were then grouped into seven categories: national government, private sector and financial institutions, local government, local community, academic and research institutions, international and non-governmental organizations, and humanitarian organizations. This stakeholder classification is crucial for figuring out each stakeholder’s appropriate level of engagement in the decision-making process based on their ability to represent the interests of their group [23].

2.2.2. Stakeholder Consultation Workshops

A series of consultative workshops and high-level meetings were organized in key locations, including Addis Ababa, Adama, and Yabello-Borana, to collect qualitative and quantitative data. During the meetings, they were asked to respond to guiding questions aimed at uncovering their information needs and expectations from the EWS. The guiding questions fostered dialogue and collaboration, allowing stakeholders to express their views and articulate their needs. The questions included: (1) What information or advisories relevant to your organization’s activities can be obtained from the platform? (2) What is the purpose of the information or advisories for your organization? (3) How can this information or advisories benefit pastoralists and agro-pastoralists? (4) Can the current system improve access to near real-time information or advisories? What additional information is needed? (5) What role can your organization play in adopting and scaling up the system?

2.2.3. Stakeholder Analysis Approach

For analytical purposes, all project stakeholders were classified into seven broad categories: communities, local governments, national governments, international non-governmental organizations, the private sector, research and academic institutions, and humanitarian organizations. This classification helped to structure the analysis and facilitated a systematic review of stakeholder roles and contributions. The findings were subsequently documented in the Results Section of the report, providing a clear overview of stakeholder engagement.

The final step involved compiling the results of the stakeholder analysis into a comprehensive report. This stakeholder analysis approach helps to assess the stakeholder benefits, information needs, purposes of information, implementation benefits, real-time data access, and the roles and cooperation of various actors. The stakeholder analysis findings will help as a valuable resource for understanding how the EWS can be effectively utilized to meet the needs of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists while enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. This study conducted a number of interviews, consultative workshops, focus group discussions, and field observations in order to gather significant and useful information related to the sustainability, scalability, and functionality of the EWS. This study also collected relevant information from the key stakeholders through a one-on-one interview approach to find out more about their requirements, expectations, and worries about the EWS. Participatory workshops were also organized as part of this study, allowing stakeholders to exchange viewpoints and jointly pinpoint potential and real problems that could be addressed by an EWS. Notably, these series of interactive sessions significantly increased the workshop participants’ sense of ownership and engagement.

To gather information and investigate how an EWS may improve proactive responses and the resilience of pastoral communities, the following guiding questions were employed in this stakeholder analysis: (1) What information or advisories pertinent for your organization’s activities that can be obtained from the EWS? (2) What is the purpose of this information or advisory for your organization? (3) How can this information or advisory benefit pastoralists and agro-pastoralists? (4) Can the current EWS improve access to near real-time information or advisories? What additional information is needed? And (5) What role can your organization play in adopting and scaling up the EWS?

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Stakeholder Mapping

The first step involved identifying and categorizing stakeholders into different groups based on their roles and interests. This included Pastoralists, who are the direct beneficiaries of the EWS (primary stakeholders); Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute (EIAR), that provide support and regulatory oversight (secondary stakeholders); and NGOs and academic institutions involved in research and capacity building (tertiary stakeholders). Generally, the stakeholder analysis involved various sectors, including communities, local governments, national governments, INGOs, the private sector, research and academic institutes, and humanitarian organizations (see Figure 3). The stakeholder mapping was also gender-inclusive: 33 experts were men (55%) and 27 were women (45%). The analysis aimed to explore how an EWS can enhance anticipatory action and strengthen the resilience of pastoral communities in Ethiopia. This mapping exercise allowed the project team to visualize the relationships among stakeholders and understand the dynamics at play.

3.2. Stakeholder Analysis of Findings

The information gathered from interviews, workshops, and focus groups was analyzed to identify common themes and key insights. This stakeholder analysis focused on understanding what specific information and functionalities stakeholders require from the EWS, identifying potential barriers to the use of the EWS, such as technological limitations or lack of knowledge, and exploring ways in which stakeholders can work together to enhance the effectiveness of the EWS.

Figure 4 depicts the frequency and networks of keywords created based on the responses of participants. The most repeated keywords, with frequencies of occurrence above 10, from the participant responses are reflected in the network. The network also shows how frequently each stakeholder group, among the seven clustered groups, used the keywords. The most frequent keywords are represented by the size, which is linearly correlated with the frequency words. This helps to visually understand the interests and needs of stakeholders, as the most frequent words reflect the main focus of the participants. From the keyword frequency analysis, stakeholders most frequently used the following keywords: early warning systems, climate change, advisory, adaptation, policy, drought, water availability, pasture availability, environmental change, vulnerability, conflict, resource scarcity, and herd movement.

The most frequent keyword from the responses of participants is ‘early warning systems’, followed by climate change, drought, policy and advisory. This indicated that the stakeholders are more interested in the implementation of the early warning system to address the droughts and climate changes through providing real-time information on water and pasture availability. Moreover, it highlights that the insights from the EWS need to be integrated within the existing policy frameworks. Generally, the frequently used keywords suggested that there is a general consensus on the necessity of the EWS to reduce climate-induced conflicts by providing timely information on water and pasture availability. The networks of keywords also showed that most of the stakeholders, including private sectors, local community, local and national governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, are linked to the EWS. Moreover, the keyword ‘policy’ is linked with the local and national governments that suggested that these stakeholders are interested in integrating the insights from the EWS into the existing policy frameworks.

Figure 5 and Figure 6 show the stakeholder analysis findings based on an EWS’s use of system information, information purpose, information implementation channels, and mechanisms of collaboration. Local communities highlighted the importance of seasonal advisories to guide their herd movements. Local communities have also expressed concerns about the availability of technology in remote places for accessing pertinent EWS information. To address this issue, participants concurred that it was critical to ensure that the EWS is accessible through a variety of dissemination channels, including Community Information Centers (CIC) and Short Message Service (SMS). Stakeholders stressed the importance of training and capacity building to help users understand and effectively utilize an EWS. Moreover, stakeholders also highlighted the necessity of integrating indigenous knowledge in the EWS towards improving the applicability of information in the pastoral region. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the EWS, it is essential to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and local communities. By integrating the EWS into existing policies and mobilizing resources collectively, these partnerships can enhance resilience and effectiveness. This collaborative approach will facilitate the adaptation of the EWS to evolving challenges and needs in various contexts.

3.2.1. Local Communities

Local communities noted the positive impact of the EWS in offering water and pasture availability along with the seasonal climate forecasts towards improving livestock production. Additionally, local communities highlighted that access to real-time information on forage and water availability through the EWS allowed them to better manage drought risks by efficiently planning and managing grazing areas and water sources. The EWS also empowered pastoralists to make informed decisions on herd movements through the optimal grazing locations and seasonal water resource needs in order to guarantee the welfare of their livestock and income. Pastoralists can also proactively prepare for and adapt to changing environmental conditions by using the EWS to get water and pasture condition alert notifications through SMS. Additionally, pastoralists could maintain their livelihoods by controlling the risk of overgrazing and ensuring the long-term functionality of surface waterpoint systems. Generally, the stakeholder analysis revealed that pastoralists who have access to real-time data through the EWS are better able to manage their essential resources and build resilience as they cope with the consequences of climate change.

3.2.2. Local Government

Local governments require precise and real-time data on pasture and water availability along with the seasonal climate forecasts in order to be prepared ahead of the climate shocks. An EWS offers data-driven insights to support local governments in developing policies and making informed decisions on community development, pasture and water resource management, and land governance. Local governments can use these data to implement programs that quickly address pastoral communities’ needs in order to enhance governance and allocate resources as efficiently as possible. The stakeholder analysis also showed that local governments need access to accurate real-time data in order to manage limited water and pasture resources and prevent resource-based conflicts in pastoral areas. Notably, an EWS’s real-time information access enables local governments to provide advisory services. Pastoral communities require seasonal and sub-seasonal advisory services in order to adapt to the changing environmental conditions. An EWS gives local governments access to accurate and up-to-date information on pasture and water conditions, which can assist them manage conflicts between communities over scarce resources in the pastoral area. Generally, real-time information on water and pasture resources is vital for developing and implementing policies and programs that support the pastoral communities.

3.2.3. National Government

The user-centered livestock water and pasture monitoring and the EWS empower the national government for strategic planning, national collaboration, and optimal resource management towards ensuring the security of pastoral communities. Real-time data access facilitates the creation of evidence-based policies, enabling federal ministries to develop plans that meet the need of pastoral communities and complement the objectives of national development. The platform facilitates collaboration between different regions, ensuring that policies and initiatives are harmonized and effectively address cross-regional challenges in resource management. At the federal level, near-real-time water and pasture information helps in preventing conflicts over resources and supports conflict resolution initiatives where they arise, fostering national peace and stability. Federal government and responsible federal organizations can use real-time information for disaster preparedness, such as drought response, ensuring a swift and coordinated approach to mitigate resource-related crises. The platform provides essential insights for developing national strategies to address the impacts of climate change on pastoral resources, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

3.2.4. Non-Governmental Organizations

Real-time data access through EWSs enabled NGOs to undertake policy advocacy, developing risk management approaches, and robust resource allocation in the pastoral regions. For NGOs, the livestock water and pasture monitoring and EWS provide real-time information for supporting their efforts in pastoral communities’ development and humanitarian activities. Access to real-time data on water and pasture allows NGOs to effectively assess needs and optimally allocate available resources for pastoral community support, emergency relief, and development initiatives. Additionally, NGOs require access to real-time data on pasture and water resources for responding to severe droughts and floods by offering the necessary resources. NGOs can use real-time data to improve sustainable resource management in pastoral regions and lobby for policy reforms at local, national, and international levels for the best possible resource allocation. NGOs can also organize activities that tackle more general socioeconomic and environmental issues in addition to urgent requirements towards a more climate-resilient and sustainable pastoral community.

3.2.5. Humanitarian Organizations

Humanitarian organizations need relevant information through an EWS for providing emergency services in pastoral regions. Note that real-time information on pasture and water availability enables humanitarian organizations to promptly identify resource scarcity. Thus, this EWS empowers humanitarian organizations to undertake immediate and more targeted emergency responses. An EWS offers location-specific information that is crucial for determining the needs of the pastoral community and making sure that aid initiatives are in line with real demands. Additionally, humanitarian organizations’ access to real-time information helps to set priorities and allocate resources as efficiently as possible to maximize the effectiveness of aid initiatives. Moreover, the stakeholder analysis revealed that humanitarian organizations are effectively using the EWS to implement resilience-building programs and help pastoral communities prepare for and adapt to severe droughts and other climate-induced challenges.

3.2.6. Private Sector

EWSs for the private sectors can provide real-time data on water and pasture resources towards enhancing business operations, supporting sustainable development, and fostering economic opportunities in pastoral regions. Access to real-time data enables private sectors to make strategic decisions about limited resource management, supply chain logistics, and investment opportunities in pastoral regions. Moreover, access to precise and real-time information on livestock resources allows private sectors to reduce risks associated with resource shortages and operational disruptions for the business continuity in pastoral regions. Note that knowledge about water and pasture resource conditions, along with the seasonal and sub-seasonal climate forecasts, allow private sectors and financial institutions to align their production with market dynamics and to optimize their operations. Real-time data access through an EWS provides valuable insights into the water and pasture resource availability and demand dynamics to private sectors and financial institutes for supporting businesses in developing services tailored to local needs. The private sectors aim to co-create market linkages with livestock businesses and strengthen service delivery through collaborative approaches.

3.2.7. Research and Academic Institutes

Access to real-time information on water and pasture resources through an EWS is essential for research and academic institutions for knowledge generation, innovative research, and for supporting evidence-based policy making. The stakeholder analysis also indicated that research and academic institutes need pertinent and real-time data on water and pasture availability for curriculum design and facilitating evidence-based research. Note that evidence-based policies on climate adaptation, pastoral development, and sustainable resource use can be informed by the research findings obtained through the use of an EWS. An EWS also serves as a foundation for developing and testing advanced technologies or methodologies, such as water management systems and sustainable grazing practices. The EWS can be used as an educational tool, integrating real-world data into curricula, training programs, and workshops, enriching learning experiences for students and professionals.

3.3. Discussion

The stakeholder analysis revealed that an EWS offers significant benefits by enhancing the dissemination of critical information among pastoral communities. Communities are utilizing CICs and local gatherings to ensure widespread access to essential data. By collaborating with local media, local governments are expanding their reach and delivering pertinent and focused information. Through radio broadcasts, publications, and community events, they highlight the importance of acting quickly in response to environmental changes.

To improve the relevance and accessibility of information catered to the requirements of pastoralists, national governments are responsible for both vertical and horizontal links by incorporating local languages and indigenous knowledge. The stakeholder analysis emphasized that implementing an EWS has several advantages, such as improved resilience in pastoral communities, better decision-making for conflict resolution, efficient emergency service delivery, policy development, and effective use of limited pasture and water resources. The analysis also showed that the EWS contributes significantly to conflict management by giving accurate information about the availability of pasture and water.

The analysis indicated that incorporating indigenous knowledge into the EWS can make it more effective in empowering communities and fostering location-specific and culturally sensitive conflict resolution techniques. Additionally, by providing seasonal alerts to drought-prone local communities, the EWS enhances resilience and adaptation by enabling them to respond swiftly to the extreme climatic hazards. The EWS also improves the effectiveness of service delivery by facilitating prompt resource mobilization and fostering opportunities for coordinated stakeholder responses in emergency situations. The analysis also highlighted that the local and national authorities could develop policy and integrate the insights within the existing institutional frameworks by retrieving real-time data from the EWS. This leads to the formulation of effective policies for sustainable resource management and community development, ultimately improving the well-being of pastoral communities and enhancing their resilience to environmental changes. Studies also suggest that establishing cross-sector coordination bodies can enhance the integration of the EWS into national policies and ensure long-term sustainability [30].

Access to near-real-time information is much improved by the present EWS system, which is essential for pastoral communities to make informed decisions about resource allocation and mobility. Pastoralists can quickly adjust to climate variabilities through the information from the EWS by maximizing their water resource use and grazing patterns. However, to scale EWS functionality in terms of scope, there is an urgent need from the participants to integrate groundwater resource availability in the system. Access to reliable and timely context-specific information on seasonal and sub-seasonal climate forecasts and water and pasture availability is also helping regional governments to support their emergency preparation and resource management efforts. Local governments would be better equipped to respond to new issues that pastoral communities encounter and create intervention plans with the help of such tailored data. Addressing technical barriers is essential for the effective implementation of an EWS in remote areas [31]. To achieve this, this study has introduced multilingual interfaces, particularly in the Oromo language, to enhance accessibility for local communities. Additionally, this study has established a CIC that operates offline, enabling users to access critical information and alerts without needing continuous internet access.

INGOs acknowledged that real-time data access regarding water and pasture resource availability through an EWS substantially supports their operations in the pastoral regions and helped them with effective planning and execution. However, further knowledge of market dynamics and vulnerability analyses are required for thorough programming. Private sectors and financial institutions responded that an EWS makes it easier for them to obtain timely information on the livestock production that is necessary for their operations. However, they require more information regarding market dynamics and logistical resources in order to engage in thorough planning. By optimizing their supply chains and matching their production plans to market demands, they will be able to better serve pastoralists. An EWS also makes information more readily available in near real time for research and policymaking.

The analysis showed that stakeholder collaboration is essential to improve awareness and safeguard information outlets like CICs. The local community needs to be actively involved in the co-design of the EWS for the successful adoption scaling, as this will guarantee that it aligns with their specific needs and improves their resilience to climate change. Local governments plan to take on a number of responsibilities to raise awareness among stakeholders at all levels, including organizing training sessions to help local community leaders utilize the EWS effectively. Local governments can ensure that critical information reaches those who need it most and improve operational effectiveness by integrating the technology into their existing institutions.

The integration of rangeland monitoring into the EWS at the national level will be spearheaded by national governments. The stakeholder analysis revealed that multi-sector interaction must be coordinated to ensure that various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and commercial sector partners work together to support the operation of an EWS in the pastoral regions. National governments will also support initiatives to mobilize resources to guarantee its sustainability by recognizing that ongoing funding and support are essential for the long-term operation of the EWS. INGOs intend to focus on delivering capacity building and training about the EWS at all societal levels by providing IT assistance. INGOs will also work together with other key stakeholders to align the EWS with proactive measures towards improving the overall effectiveness of disaster preparedness and response programs.

The participation of the private sector will be essential for monitoring waterpoints and assisting with information dissemination initiatives. By utilizing their resources and communication and logistical experience, their efforts to raise awareness would not only encourage cooperation among stakeholders but also improve the efficacy of the EWS. Academic and research institutions will be essential to the collection and analysis of data quality for ensuring that the information gathered is correct and pertinent. These institutions can assist in incorporating the system into scholarly research by working with a variety of stakeholders towards improving the functionality of the EWS through continued research.

Humanitarian organizations stress the importance of working with other stakeholders for the effective dissemination of timely information to the pastoral communities and other relevant stakeholders. All parties involved can build a more robust EWS that fully meets the requirements of pastoral communities by cooperating. It is essential to consider the unique environmental, cultural, and socio-economic contexts of each region to understand the broader implications of the EWS. This study findings will inform the scaling up of the EWS in Somalia, Afar and other pastoral regions.

Several countries have successfully implemented an EWS that highlights the importance of timely information in building resilience against natural disasters. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) oversees the Global Information and Early Warning System, established after the 1970s food crisis [32]. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) includes a Drought Early Warning System that has evolved over 35 years [33], enabling rapid identification of drought-related food security risks. In 2016/2017, FEWS NET’s accurate predictions helped expedite over $300 million in humanitarian aid [33]. The North American Drought Monitor, initiated in 2002, enables continent-wide drought assessment [34], while the European Drought Observatory, established in 2012, provides critical drought indicators and supports Drought Management Plans in many EU districts [35]. These examples underscore the need for a robust EWS in Ethiopia to enhance resilience to climate variability. By integrating local knowledge, utilizing real-time monitoring technologies, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, Ethiopia can effectively deliver critical information to pastoral communities. Prioritizing capacity building for local leaders will empower communities to better respond to environmental challenges, ultimately improving preparedness and resource management for those facing climate-related threats.

3.4. Limitation of Stakeholder Analysis

This study aimed to identify the specific information and functionalities stakeholders need from an EWS, uncover potential barriers to its use, and explore strategies for collaboration to enhance the EWS’s effectiveness. Future research should conduct a detailed analysis to categorize core and peripheral groups by their influence and interest in livestock water and pasture monitoring systems using a Power Interest Matrix. This approach will optimize resource allocation and prioritize influential stakeholders in decision-making. Additionally, it is crucial to identify potential conflict areas and their underlying causes. Collaborative strategies, such as cross-sectoral coordination platforms and benefit-sharing mechanisms, can help mitigate conflicts and foster cooperative resource management. Linking EWS effectiveness to measurable community resilience indicators, like livestock survival rates and conflict frequency, is essential for validating outcomes. While this study emphasizes qualitative insights, we recommend that future research incorporate quantitative analysis for a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts of livestock water and pasture monitoring systems on pastoral communities. Although the Borana zone served as a case study, this geographic focus may limit the generalizability of our findings to other pastoral contexts in Ethiopia. Future studies should also explore the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict pasture degradation patterns. Understanding stakeholder relationships and information flow can further enhance EWS effectiveness and promote collaboration among diverse sectors. This study also recommends that future research incorporate cost–benefit analyses and a multidimensional approach to enhance our analysis and provide clearer, evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice.

4. Conclusions

EWSs have proven to be successful in managing the climate-induced risks through access to real-time advisories that improve water and pasture resource management strategies in pastoral regions. Stakeholder analysis has suggested the pressing need for institutional support and the scaling of the EWS to cover other pastoral areas such as Somalia and Afar towards increasing the EWS’s influence throughout Ethiopian pastoral regions. Additionally, the stakeholder analysis has revealed important lessons that improve the sustainability and functionality of EWS in the pastoral region. Involving stakeholders at every level, especially at the kebele level, is crucial for guaranteeing efficient dissemination of information. Pastoralists’ engagement in EWS’s development and implementation is essential to ensure that it meets their unique demands. Note that pastoralist direct involvement in the co-design of the EWS is essential to the system’s scalability and adoption.

Training sessions and awareness initiatives that empower stakeholders at different levels are keyways that local governments contribute to the success of the EWS. The EWS’s operational effectiveness can be improved by local governments through incorporating it into existing institutional frameworks, ensuring timely information flow and enhancing local governance structures. Furthermore, national governments need to be responsible in organizing multi-sector participation, as the mobilization of resources and the long-term viability of EWS depend on this partnership. INGOs can support improving the EWS to address the particular risks of pastoral communities by raising awareness and providing technical support. Stakeholders have also emphasized the importance of including the private sector in waterpoint monitoring and information sharing.

Partnerships between the public and private sectors can result in creative solutions and logistical assistance towards improving the services provided to pastoralists. Additionally, collaboration with research and academic institutions is vital to ensure the accuracy and relevance of EWS data. These institutions can provide insights that inform policy and practice, ensuring that the system evolves based on empirical evidence and changing environmental conditions. Based on the stakeholder analysis, the short-term implementation plan will focus on expanding EWS coverage to the Afar and Somali regions. Strategies will be employed to engage local communities, build trust, and enhance effectiveness, along with training and capacity-building initiatives. The medium-term plan will integrate groundwater monitoring into the existing EWS by forming partnerships with relevant agencies for data collection and analysis. The long-term plan should focus on establishing national cross-sector coordination bodies to oversee the EWS, ensuring alignment with broader national policies. These bodies will facilitate collaboration across sectors like agriculture, water management, and disaster response, creating a cohesive policy framework that supports EWS sustainability and enhances community resilience.