## 4 Discussion  
### Demographic Characteristics and Cattle-Herd Ownership among Small-Holder Cattle Farmers  
The findings from this study align with and contribute to the existing literature on small-holder cattle farming and drought-related issues. The associations identified between demographic characteristics and cattle-herd ownership shed light on important factors that influence cattle ownership and have implications for addressing drought-related challenges. By engaging with the existing literature, this study strengthens its discussion and provides a broader context for the research. The significant association between gender and cattle-herd ownership reflects a gender disparity in cattle farming, with more male cattle farmers than female cattle farmers. This finding is consistent with previous studies that highlighted the influence of cultural and social norms on cattle-ownership patterns [10; 34]. It emphasizes the need for interventions that promote gender equality and empower women to participate in cattle farming, as their inclusion can contribute to improved resilience in small-holder cattle production systems. The association between age group and cattle-herd ownership reveals variations in cattle ownership across different age groups. The higher representation of cattle farmers in the 46-60-year-old age group suggests that this group has accumulated more experience and resources for cattle ownership. Understanding these generational differences is crucial for knowledge transfer and ensuring the sustainability of cattle farming practices. It informs strategies to support young farmers and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and skills between different age groups. Education level demonstrates a significant association with cattle-herd ownership, highlighting the role of education in cattle management. This finding aligns with previous research that has emphasized the positive impact of education on farmers' ability to adopt better practices and make informed decisions [5; 35]. It underscores the importance of promoting education and training programs that enhance cattle-management skills among farmers with lower education levels, ultimately improving their capacity to cope with drought-related challenges. The association between income source and cattle-herd ownership emphasizes the influence of financial resources on cattle ownership. This finding is consistent with studies that have highlighted the importance of access to financial services, credit, and income-diversification opportunities for small-holder farmers [27; 36]. It underscores the need to enhance financial inclusion and support mechanisms that enable small-holder farmers to invest in and sustain their cattle herds, particularly during drought periods. Interestingly, the years in cattle farming did not show a significant association with cattle-herd ownership. This finding challenges the assumption that the duration of experience alone determines cattle ownership [16; 30]. It suggests that other factors,such as access to resources and support, may play a more critical role in cattle ownership. This highlights the need to consider a broader range of factors beyond experience when designing interventions and support mechanisms for small-holder cattle farmers. The significant association between herd size and cattle-herd ownership highlights variations in the size of cattle herds among different cattle farmers. This finding is in line with previous studies that explored factors influencing herd size and management practices [8; 24]. Understanding these factors can inform interventions focused on improving herd-management practices, enhancing access to breeding stock, and increasing productivity, all of which contribute to the resilience of small-holder cattle production systems.