Geological and Hydrometeorological Hazards Affecting Livestock Production in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review of Impacts, Mitigation, and Adaptation Strategies

Degfie Teku^*Tarkegn Derbib

• College of Natural and Computational Science, Mekdela Amba University, Tulu Awuliya, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's livestock sector is highly vulnerable to a range of geological and hydrometeorological hazards, which threaten animal health, productivity, and pastoral livelihoods. The country's location along the East African Rift System makes it particularly susceptible to geologic hazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides, while variable climate patterns intensify hydrometeorological risks like droughts and floods. This systematic review examines the impacts of these hazards on livestock production in Ethiopia, with a focus on key challenges such as soil degradation, resource contamination, livestock displacement, and disease outbreaks. The review follows a structured methodology, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, incorporating a systematic search across major academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies are evaluated using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the inclusion of only high-quality, relevant research. The review synthesizes existing literature, offering a qualitative analysis of the compounded effects of geological and hydrometeorological hazards on livestock, particularly in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. The review highlights the significant role of droughts, with over 6.8 million livestock deaths reported in Ethiopia since 2020, primarily due to consecutive failed rainy seasons. Additionally, flooding events have caused considerable losses, such as the 2006 floods in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), where 15,600 livestock were lost. However, data on the direct impact of geological hazards like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes remains sparse, reflecting a gap in research and reporting. Indirect impacts, such as ashfall on grazing lands, contamination of water sources, and disruption of traditional grazing routes, further exacerbate vulnerabilities in livestock production. In response, the review explores various mitigation and adaptation strategies, including early warning systems, hazard mapping, livestock diversification, improved veterinary services, and the promotion of livestock insurance. The review also emphasizes the need for effective policy frameworks, community engagement, and economic mechanisms to build resilience within Ethiopia's livestock sector. Evidence-based interventions are critical for safeguarding livestock production, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable adaptation to ongoing geological and hydrometeorological hazards in Ethiopia's hazard-prone regions.