This section examines the ecological and ethnographic features of the cross border region and its implication for trade. As noted earlier, cross-border trade is facilitated by the presence of similar ethnic/clan groups, such as the Boran and Somali, on both sides of the border. Livestock husbandry is the main activity of these groups. Ethiopian and Kenyan pastoralists in this region focus on cattle, sheep, goats and camels, depending on social and ecological variables. In the dry western and extreme south- eastern parts of the border region, herders emphasise camel and goat production while in the higher rainfall areas like the Borana plateau herders focus on cattle pastoralism. All cross-border pastoralists in this region breed the Boran cattle type, which is especially of high demand in Kenyan markets. Most of the better quality livestock for both domestic consumption and export are supplied from these areas (See Map 1).
The Boran constitute the main ethnic/clan groups in the study area. They are the most numerous and inhabit both sides of the border and maintain the largest number of cattle in the region. Their livestock straddle both sides of the border relatively easily. The Boran speak Oromiffa, depend on livestock, trading, on relief food, and occupy large parts of northern Kenya as well, including parts of Marsabit and Isiollo districts.
Second in importance are different Somali clans. The Gerri, Degodia and Marehan clans are the important ones. The Gerri Somali who occupy the area south and south-east of Borana, in Liban Zone of Somali region, Ethiopia. They also reside on the other side of the Kenya border and maintain all species of livestock, especially camels and goats, in their herds and flocks. The camel breed kept by Gerri is the horka type known for its beef and meat. The Degodia Somali are found in the border area in the Liban Zone of Ethiopia Somali region. They keep the best camel breed, horka type and cattle in southeastern rangelands of Ethiopia. The Marehan, found to the east of the Degodia reside along the Somalia/Ethiopia border in the rangelands around the Genale River. The Marehan depend on pastoralism and are known for breeding an excellent Borana species of cattle.
Thirdly are the Gabbra, who occupy the western part of the study region. They are camel breeders and are found around Finchawa, Arero and Moyale. They straddle both sides of the Ethiopia- Kenya border easily. The Gabbra keep light weight camels of the Afar type.
Fourthly, to the west of the Gabbra are the Dasenetch, an Omotic people occupying the Omo river valley. They breed cattle, sheep and goats. They also depend on bee keeping, rain-fed farming, hunting, and gathering.
Fifth are the Konso. The primary activity of these people is farming. They inhabit the Konso land found bordering the Borana from northwestern side. Many of them are also found in the Borana area such as Teltelle, Yabello and Moyale.
Finally, the Burji are settled farmers in Mega, Hidilola, Tuka and Yabello. They originally came from Burji land, an area north of Yabello. The Burji also live in Marsabit, Kenya as farmers and traders.
The ecology of the border region is endowed with an undulating plain with sub-humid zone in the upper limit of the rangelands and semi-arid to arid environment in the south and southeast of the borderlands. The landscape is undulating with few scattered volcanic cones and rock out crops. The area is endowed with scrub savannah interspersed with acacia species and open grassland. Remnants of Juniperus excelsea are visible around old settlements. The open grassland is being invaded by bush and in some localities camels find it difficult to penetrate through. Long term overgrazing which prevents burning has turned them into dense scrublands where acacia are dominant. Government ban on burning in late 1970's and 1980's may have also contributed to bush encroachment and a corresponding decrease in grass production and carrying capacity of the land.
The distribution and quantity of rainfall is erratic. The small dry season referred to deyr (in Somali language) hagaya (in Oromiffa) and the big dry season jilaal (in Somali language) and bona (in Oromiffa) last for 6 months. The main rains fall in late March -May and account for 60% of the total, while the secondary rains from September - November may account for up to 40% but are unreliable. The mean annual temperature vary from 18-25 degree centigrade with little seasonal variation. The dry periods are sometimes followed by drought and stress periods. Cultivation is practised in river valleys in pockets of high potential agricultural land in settlements and in the vicinity of small towns. The environment on the Kenya side varies from arid to semi-arid and the rangeland has low potential than the adjacent southern rangelands of Ethiopia.
Two important rivers, the Dawa and Genale drain the area from north to south and south east and confluence at Dollo Ado and then flow together as Juba river (in Somalia) to the Indian Ocean. Cultivation has flourished along the Dawa and Genale rivers. Segen is a seasonal river on the western side of the rangelands and flows into Wayito River, which later enters the Chelbi desert. The Kenyan side is endowed with seasonal rivers.
Apart from the rivers, the lack water is a constraint to livestock production in most parts of the southern and southeastern rangelands. Pastoralists use different kinds of water facilities such as traditional wells, bore holes, ponds and cisterns for livestock and human consumption. The deep wells are located in Borana territory. The water facilities are not well developed on the Kenya side. One also observes that Kenya-Moyale gets some drinking water form Ethiopia-Moyale. On the borderlands of Ethiopia and Somalia, human dug shallow wells are common.
Fodder for livestock especially for sheep and cattle is a constraint in the dry season. The amount of rainfall decreases as one travels to the border area. On the other hand, the amount of rainfall increases from 300mm along the border to 900 mm in the Mega Mountains. As far as the livestock movement is concerned, pastoralists from the borderlands of Kenya travel north as far as the Dawa and Genale rivers. During stress and drought animals are moved up to Gujji lands, to the north of the Borana plateau. In normal dry season, livestock congregate around traditional wells on both sides of the border.
