scholarly journals Socio-economic determinants of smallholder mixed crop-livestock farmers’ choice of climate change adaptation in the drylands of Northern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Habtamu Taddele Menghistu ◽  
Habtamu Taddele Menghistu ◽  
Habtamu Taddele Menghistu ◽  
Girmay Tesfay ◽  
Amanuel Zenebe Abraha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Logit Model ◽  
Market Access ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Climate Information ◽  
Veterinary Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Livestock Farmers

Purpose This paper aims to understand the perception of smallholder farmers on climate change, identify major livestock related climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies and their determinants in selected neighboring districts of Tigray and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach A total of 416 household heads were involved in a questionnaire survey using a multistage sampling approach. To understand the socio-economic factors that influence farmers’ perception on climate change (CC) and/or variability, a binary logit model was used. Multinomial logit model was used to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers’ choices of adaptation strategies. Findings Milk reduction, weight loss, feed shortage and frequent animal disease outbreak were indicated as major impacts of CC on livestock production. About 86.2% of the farmers’ exercise CCA measures where livestock health care and management (25%), followed by livelihood diversification (21.5%) and shifting and diversification of livestock species (20.9%) were the top three adaptation measures implemented. Education, knowledge on CCA strategies, access to veterinary service and extension, market access, annual income, non-farm income, total livestock unit, sex of household head and household size were the major determinant factors to farmers’ choice of CCA. Research limitations/implications Concerned authorities working in CC related sectors should give due attention to improve smallholder farmers’ access to extension and veterinary services, market access and climate information to enhance their adaptive capacity to CC impacts. In addition, incorporating climate change awareness trainings into the existing extension packages is crucial to enhance the awareness of farmers on climate change and implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it is very essential to provide appropriate herd management and marketing strategy based on the production system to avoid the significant price reduction during drought periods. Practical implications Concerned authorities working in CC related sectors should give due attention to improve smallholder farmers’ access to extension and veterinary services, market access and climate information to enhance their adaptive capacity to CC impacts. In addition, incorporating climate change awareness trainings into the existing extension packages is crucial to implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it is very essential to provide appropriate herd management and marketing strategy based on the production system to avoid the significant price reduction during drought periods. Originality/value This research is focused on smallholder crop-livestock farmers, livestock-based CCASs and presents the determinant factors to their choice of adaptation.

scholarly journals Determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change among the smallholder farmers in Adama District, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-476
Author(s):  
Hurgesa Hundera Hirpha ◽  
Sylvester Mpandeli ◽  
Amare Bantider
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The Ethiopian economy is mainly based on the rain-fed agriculture practiced by smallholder farmers. The sector is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. This study aims to examine the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change among the smallholder farmers in Adama District, Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect quantitative data using questionnaire with 351 randomly selected smallholder farmers. To collect qualitative data focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations were also used. Triangulated with thematic analysis, descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used for the analysis. Findings The result indicated that the majority of the smallholder farmers use at least one climate change adaptation strategy in their local areas though the strategy is generally weak. In this regard, some of the dominant climate change adaptation activities identified in the study area are using improved crop varieties, planting trees, watershed management, adjusting planting date and terracing. The result from binary logistic regression model showed that age and sex of household head, as well as their education, family size, access to agricultural extension services and training on climate change significantly influence the practices of adaptation measures. Originality/value This study would help the practitioners to modify the existing weak adaptation activities by introducing advanced and technological-based adaptation strategies to the rural farming communities.

scholarly journals Agro-pastoralists’ determinants of adaptation to climate change

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 488-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keneilwe Ruth Kgosikoma ◽  
Phatsimo Cotildah Lekota ◽  
Olaotswe Ernest Kgosikoma
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Agricultural Diversification

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze smallholder farmers’ perceptions on climate change and its stressors, their adaptation strategies and factors that influence their adaptation to climate change. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in Kweneng district, located in the south eastern part of Botswana. Multi-stage sampling was used to obtain a representative sample from three sub-districts in the district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data by using face-to-face interviews. Findings Majority of farmers perceived an increase in mean annual temperature and the number of hot days and a decrease in mean annual rainfall and the number of rainfall days over the past 10 years as indicators of climate change. The prominent adaptation strategies included changes in planting dates for crops and supplementary feeding for livestock. The logistic regression results show that gender, age, household size, poverty, shortage of land, mixed farming and knowledge about climate change significantly influence adaptation. Practical implications The findings indicate that climate change policy should target agricultural diversification at the household level and dissemination of information on climate change and adaptation strategies. Originality/value Policy recommendations can be suggested: government climate change interventions should target agricultural diversification at the household level, and this study provides insights on what influences adaptation strategies and what should be targeted to build resilience in the agricultural sector.

Exploring the link between climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 850-860
Author(s):  
Edward Mutandwa ◽  
Benjamine Hanyani-Mlambo ◽  
Joseph Manzvera
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Household Level ◽  
The Past ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the association between smallholder farmer perceptions toward climate change and adaptation strategies at the household level in Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 284 households mainly using a structured questionnaire. The Heckman probit selection model was used to first identify the underlying socio-economic factors that affect households’ recognition of climate change in the past 10 years, and the second model the factors that influence adaptation to the climate change phenomenon. Findings The majority of farmers (85 percent) perceived that climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and variability in rainfall patterns, has been occurring in the past ten years. As a response, farmers adapted using methods such as manuring and staggering of planting dates. Indigenous knowledge systems and non-governmental organizations increased the likelihood farmers’ recognition of climate change (p<0.05). The probability of adopting multiple adaptation strategies was influenced by household head’s education level, land tenure and access to public extension services. Practical implications Integrative extension methods that take into account socio-cultural values could be helpful in building resilience as farmers are better able to understand the climate change construct. There is a need to guarantee land tenure rights in resettlement areas to stimulate investment on farms. Originality/value This study showed that there is a link between farmers’ prior knowledge of climate change and the number of adaptive investments. The analysis proposed an educational and extension approach that is embedded in the socio-cultural and traditional setting of farmers.

Climate change perception and choice of adaptation strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wondimagegn Tesfaye ◽  
Lemma Seifu
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its adverse effects, identify major adaptation strategies used by farmers and analyze the factors that influence the choice of adaptation strategy by smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach – The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 296 sample households selected from three districts in east Ethiopia. Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and review of literature, documents and databases. Findings – The study provides empirical evidence that majority of farmers in the study area are aware of climate change patterns and their adverse effect on income, food security, diversity, forest resources, food prices and crop and livestock diseases. In response to these adverse effects, major adaptation strategies used by farmers include cultivating different crops, planting different crop varieties, changing planting dates, use of soil and water conservation techniques, conservation agriculture practices and engaging in non-farm income activities. Choice of adaptation strategies are influenced by gender of household head, household size, farm size, distance from market and number of farm plots. Practical implications – The study suggests that developing more effective climate change adaptation strategies need support from the government. Such an effort needs provision of the necessary resources such as credit, information and extension services on climate change adaptation strategies and technologies, and investing in climate smart and resilient projects. Originality/value – The study adopts multivariate probit model that models farmers’ simultaneous adaptation choice behavior which has been rarely addressed by previous researches.

scholarly journals Do better agricultural extension and climate information sources enhance adaptive capacity? A micro-level assessment of farm households in rural India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandan Kumar Jha ◽  
Vijaya Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Institutional Arrangements ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Farm Households ◽  
Climate Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Different Sources

Purpose The farmers used several information sources to gather information about the climatic variability and modern agricultural practices to cope with climate change. The choice of adaptation strategies and the successful implication of adaptation strategies depend on accurate, timely information on the climate variability and precise technical details of adaptation strategies. By keeping the importance of climate information and agricultural extension information in the center, this study aims to conduct a micro-level evaluation of farmers’ choice of climate information, agriculture extension services and agricultural credit sources. This study’s primary objective is to understand how the different sources of climate information and agricultural extension influence farm household adaptation decisions. Design/methodology/approach This study has been conducted in three subs agro-climatic zone of the Middle Gangetic Plain region, which falls in India’s Bihar state. This paper has randomly selected seven districts from these three subs agro-climatic zone to collect the data. The analysis of this study is based on survey data collected from 700 farm households. This study has used descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model to assess the sources of climate information, agricultural extension and credit sources and how these sources influence farm households’ adaptation decisions. Findings The result of this study shows farmers are using different traditional (sharing experience, newspaper and radio), information and communication technology (mobile and TV) and institutional arrangements (agricultural officer and meteorological department) in the study area. The study’s finding identifies different farm households’ different sources and how these options farming farmers’ adaptation decisions. The study further revealed that institutional factors such as extension services and access to information on climate change increase the probability of adopting knowledge-intensive adaptation strategies such as soil conservation, water conservation, crop insurance and planting horticulture and vegetables. Research limitations/implications The study has conducted a micro-level assessment of adaptation behavior at the local level to understand the factor influencing the adaptation decision. This study’s finding is useful in designing the appropriate policy framework for the farm household’s capacity building to enhance their technical skills and awareness toward the institutional arrangements. Originality/value This paper’s finding pointed out institutional arrangements’ requirement to improve adaptive capacity to make long-term strategic decisions to cope with climate change.

Risk perceptions and adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate change and variability in North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 254-272
Author(s):  
Azmeraw Ayehu Tesfahun ◽  
Arevendor S. Chawla
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Adaptation Strategy ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Contact Frequency

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore smallholder farmers’ risk perception associated with climate change, the adaptation strategies used and determinants of their adaptation decision behaviour in Eferatena-Gidem district, Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach The study used household survey methods of data collection. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire survey by interviewing 261 randomly selected smallholder farmers and analysed using both descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques including Participation Index, Adaptation Strategy Index and Binary Logistic Regression Model. Findings Results of the survey revealed that the vast majority of the respondents perceived the long-term changes in temperature and rainfall pattern. Although they are not transformational in nature, the majority (77 per cent) of the respondents who had perceived changes in climate took adaptive measures. Results of the econometric model analysis revealed that farmers’ perceptions of climate change, extension contact frequency, farmers’ attitude towards adaptation measures, tailor-made training and membership of farmers in peasant associations were found to be significant predictors that positively influenced farmers’ decision behaviour, whereas off-farm employment and the age of the household head were found to be negative and significant determinants. Practical implications This study, in general, provides an insight into the risk perception, adaptive response and determinants of farmers’ decision behaviour in implementing response strategies and suggests that policies and strategies intended at building the adaptive capacity of the farming community in the study area need to take into account the aforementioned significant factors and framers risk perception, as they highly determine their decision behaviour and help in designing effective and context-specific adaptation strategy. Originality/value The findings of this study could be informative for policy makers and development practitioners in designing locally specific effective adaptation menu that shapes adaptation to current and future climate risks.

scholarly journals Smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change and adaptation strategy choices in Central Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonnas Addis ◽  
Solomon Abirdew
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Central Ethiopia ◽  
Farm Level ◽  
Institutional Service ◽  
Adaptation Options

Purpose Smallholder farmers have always been profoundly the first to be impacted by climate change, and therefore, farmers understanding of climate change and accessibility to alternative adaptation strategies are crucial for reducing the effect of climate change. The purpose of this study is to assess the perception of farmers to climate change, adaptation strategies and determinants of adaptation choice in central Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach The study used data from randomly selected 240 farm households. Descriptive statistics were used to describe farmers’ perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies. Also, a multivariate probit model was used to identify the major factors affecting farmers’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate change in central Ethiopia. Findings Smallholder farmers perceive climate change in the past two decades in response; the majority (91.47%) of farmers used adaptation options. Improved crop varieties and input intensity, crop diversification, planting date adjustment, soil and water conservation activities and changing of the crop type were used as adaptation options in the study area. A few of these strategies were significantly confirmed a complementary and supplementary relationship. The study identified sex, family size, agroecology, climate information, crop-fail history and formal extension service as significant determinants for farmers’ adaptation choices as these variables significantly affected more than two farmers’ adaptation strategies simultaneously. Research limitations/implications Farmers’ choice of adaptation was highly constrained by institutional factors and all these identified factors can be possibly addressed through a better institutional service provision system. It is, therefore, recommended that local administrators should explore the institutional service provision system for a better farm-level adaptation while considering demographic characteristics as well. Originality/value This study identified factors affecting farmers’ several adaptation strategies at a time and provides information for the policymaker to make cost-effective interventions for better farm-level adaptation practices.

An analysis of climatic impacts and adaptation strategies in Tanzania

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy M. Ojoyi ◽  
Jean-Marc Mwenge Kahinda
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Variability ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Climate Variability And Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Picture

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies in the communities of Morogoro region of Tanzania. Climate change is a vital issue of global concern. Design/methodology/approach – Rain fall data trends collected from different meteorological stations in the region were useful in assessment of climate variability and change trends from the historical perspective. In addition, quantitative interviews, surveys and focussed discussion groups were used to collect data capturing past and present trends in the catchment, and reasons provided by 199 respondents from a total of six villages. The data were collected with the aid of trained research assistants and trained graduates selected from each of the randomly select villages. Findings – Significant differences in rainfall intensities have been recorded by use of feedback results from analysis of variance tests conducted. Major indicators of climate variability and change include: increased dry spells (39.7 per cent), drying of rivers (34.7 per cent), a reduction in water flows (14.6 per cent) and poor economy of the area (11.1 per cent). Research limitations/implications – The scope of the study does not cover certain aspects such as the spatial and temporal changes in daily temperature which could have provided important and additional dimension. This study also did not take into consideration institutional arrangements required to successfully implement national adaptation programmes to climate change. Finally, it is important to remember that peoples’ perceptions determine the social mental picture of climate change. Practical implications – The study suggests the need for leverage on resource use through education and good governance strategies to be employed by resource planners, leaders and policy makers. Social implications – This study links scientific and participatory data as an approach for incorporating modern technologies and local knowledge into the design of useful practices and strategies as well as their successful implementation. Opinions from communities supported the urgent need for effective use and management of resources while laying emphasis on advancement of both indigenous and imported technologies. Originality/value – An understanding of how the community views climate change is crucial in design of practices aimed at improving their well-being. In this regard, a study investigating smallholder farmers’ views regarding major drivers of change, assessing main factors leading to changes in climate experienced and identifying potential coping strategies against climate change, was conducted in East Africa, Tanzania between 2009 and 2010. This paper identifies potential resilient practices intended to minimize destruction and maximize opportunities likely to benefit Morogoro region.

Multi-dimensional coping and adaptation strategies of small-scale fishing communities of Bangladesh to climate change induced stressors

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 446-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Apurba Krishna Deb ◽  
C. Emdad Haque
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
International Development ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Fishing Communities ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fishing Villages ◽  
Climate Change And Variability ◽  
The Face

Purpose Coastal and floodplain areas are on the frontline of climate change in Bangladesh. Small-scale coastal and floodplain fishing communities of the country face a host of cross-scale stressors continually, some induced by climate change, and they have developed coping and adaption strategies based on customary social and experiential learnings. This paper aims to examine the coping and adaptation strategies that small-scale fishing communities undertake in the face of stresses including climate change and variability. Design/methodology/approach This research takes a nuanced ethnographic-oriented approach based on around two-year-long field study in two coastal and floodplain fishing villages, represented by two distinct ethnic groups. The study adopts direct observational methods to denote the ways small-scale fishing communities address the arrays of stressors to construct and reconstruct their survival and livelihood needs. Findings It was observed that fishers’ coping and adaptation strategies comprise a fluid combination of complex overlapping sets of actions that the households undertake based on their capitals and capabilities, perceptions, socio-cultural embeddedness and experiential learnings from earlier adverse situations. Broadly, these are survival, economic, physiological, social, institutional and religiosity-psychological in nature. Adaptation mechanisms involve some implicit principles or self-provisioning actions that households are compelled to do or choose under given sets of abnormal stresses to reach certain levels of livelihood functions. Originality/value Based on empirical field research, this paper recognizes small-scale fishers’ capability and adaptability in addressing climate change-induced stresses. Policymakers, international development planners, climate scientists and social workers can learn from these grassroots-level coping and adaptation strategies of fishing communities to minimize the adverse effects of climate change and variations.

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