Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture

Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture No. 2/08


Institutions, determinants and effects of collective action among (agro)pastoralists of eastern Ethiopia

Fekadu Beyene
Haramaya University, Ethiopia


Abstract

This paper identifies factors that determine involvement of pastoral and agropastoral households in various collective activities. It also assesses the effects of collective action on household food security. The analysis is based on data collected from experts, elders and 160 households. A discrete choice model was developed to specify the determinants. It is found that asset ownership, labor endowment, presence of selective incentive (fines), peer pressure and the influence of group leader significantly determine household involvement in collective action. But the influence of each of these factors on these group activities varies. To assess the effects, consistency in consumption pattern and herd survival rates from the most recent drought shock were considered as dependent variables. From the empirical model, the number of groups in which each household is involved, group size in which a household was a member for each activity and group-membership period are likely to have a positive effect on household food security.

Keywords: collective action, determinants, informal institutions, (agro)pastoral, Ethiopia

JEL: O13, Q 18

Vol. 47 (2008), No. 2: 97-119