Rangeland ecosystems generally encompass diverse land resources. Rangelands usedrnfor grazing are often complex coupled human and natural systems from which societyrndemands both goods (Livestock) and services (pasture and water). In Ethiopia,rnrangelands cover approximately 65% of the total surface area of the country, and arernoften at the nexus of mining ground, wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, and urbanrnlandscapes. Based on the field survey conducted from July, 2017 to December,rn2018,employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods;rnthe social, institutional and ecological dimensions of the governance system werernexplored and analyzed. Particularly, the governance structures and institutionalrnarrangements, participation of pastoralists in decision-making spaces, the capacity ofrnpastoralists to influence social-ecological resilience and the impacts of rangelandrndynamics on the governance of the Middle Awash Afar social-ecological systems werernanalyzed. Hence, the findings of the research suggest that the overall governancernsystems of the Middle Awash Afar social-ecological systems are generally weak andrnuncoordinated, and hardly fit with the social and ecological conditions. Likewise, thernlevel of pastoralistsâ€™ participation has been found inadequate to lure pastoralrncommunities towards genuine participation and meaningful deliberation. Besides, therncollective capacity of pastoralists and the prevailing external sources of strength thatrnhelp them to influence resilience have been weakened. Hence, the research suggestsrnthat there is a need to envision a third alternative of installing â€œhybrid institutionsâ€ thatrncombines scientific approaches and traditional mechanisms of rangeland governance.