Arbore in Southern Ethiopia lies within the East African Rift Valley, about 50km north of Lake Stephanie (Chew Bahir). The Arbore are a group of about 4000 people and subsist as agropastoralists. Their most important possession is their cattle. Their agriculture (maize and sorghum) which together with animal husbandry is vital for their subsistence is maintained by an elaborate irrigation system alongside the River Woyto. The Arbore possess detailed knowledge of botanical species, distinguishing between 130 different kinds of sorghum. During the annual dry season, they regularly supply their neighbours with grain in exchange for honey, tobacco, coffee, pots or livestock. In times of drought the Arbore often are the last group within the wider region, who still have stores of grain, facilitated by the location of their fields along the river. This regional network allows many people to survive in times of famine.