I gratefully acknowledge Dr.Baldio Singh for his valuable guidance which made this work possible. I am also grateful to Dr. Vijayaragavan for his brotherly encouragement and professional support. Thanks are also due to Mr Tezera Getahun Executive Director Pastoralist Forum Ethiopia for the generous assistance provided to me. I am also appreciative to the department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Haramaya University for the help provided to me during my work.

Rural development is a an overall development of rural areas to improve the quality of life of rural people. It is an integrated process, which includes social, economical, political and spiritual development of the rural society. Rural planning is based on the assumption that community members are the best "experts" about their own economic and social situations. Participation is about helping community members tap their own knowledge and resources and use them effectively.