Collective governance and household-Level decision-making in Afar pastoral systems: Implications for Pioneer Positive Deviance

This field study examines the structure and functioning of collective governance and its relationship with household-level decision-making in Afar pastoral systems, with implications for implementing a household-based Pioneer Positive Deviance (P-PD) approach. The study was conducted in Sabure and Dudub kebeles of Awash Fentale Woreda, Afar Region, using two semi-structured group discussions with 18 representatives of the Afar Ada customary governance system. Findings show that Afar Ada plays a central role in regulating communal resources, livestock mobility, conflict resolution, disease-related coordination, and interactions with external actors, while households retain autonomy in livestock health management and day-to-day herd decisions. The findings indicate that household-level variation in livestock management practices can be examined within the existing customary governance context. The study recommends a hybrid P-PD implementation model that combines household-level identification and learning from locally successful practices with active engagement of customary institutions, alongside gender-responsive, socially inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches.