Analysis of smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in south Wollo, north east highlands of Ethiopia: An agro-ecological system-based approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yimer Mohammed ◽  
Kindie Tesfaye ◽  
Menfese Tadesse ◽  
Fantaw Yimer
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Scale Level ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Micro Scale ◽  
Climate Change And Variability ◽  
North East ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract Background: Climate change and variability has been significantly affecting the Ethiopian agricultural production and thereby smallholder farmers livelihoods. The level of vulnerability varied across agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Identification of difference in the level of vulnerability of a system is important in selecting appropriate and effective adaption options to climate change. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the level of vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate change and variability at micro-scale level in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of south Wollo, north east highlands of Ethiopia. Data was collected from a representative of 502 sample households from five AEZs through multi stage random sampling methods. Focus group discussion and key informant interviews were also carried out to supplement and substantiate the quantitative data. The indicator based approach was used to empirically calculate vulnerability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to give weight for indicators and generate index of vulnerability contributing factors. Results: The results showed that each of the vulnerability contributing factors (exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity) varied across the AEZs. M3, SM2 and SM3 are the most exposed AEZs but having a relatively better adaptive capacity whereas M1, M2 and M3 are the most sensitive AEZs with relatively low adaptive capacity to climate variability and change. Overall, SM2 is the most vulnerable AEZ which exhibited high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity followed by M1. Conclusions: The study explored sources and levels of vulnerability to each agro-ecology. Since the study is conducted at micro-scale level, it helps decision makers and development partners to have context-specific understanding of the impact of climate change and variability and design appropriate adaptation measures to address the specific situations.

scholarly journals Drought-tolerant Varieties as an Adaptation Strategy in the Context of Climate Change: Insight from Maize Production Systems in Benin

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mohamed Nasser Baco
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Drought Tolerant ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Previous studies suggested that maize is set to become a cash crop while ensuring food security better than any other crop. However, climate change has become one of the key production constraints that are now hampering and threatening the sustainability of maize production systems. We conducted a study to better understand changes here defined as adaptations made by smallholder farmers to ensure food security and improve income through maize production in a climate change context. Our results show that maize farmers in northern Benin mainly rely on traditional seeds. Drought as abiotic stress is perceived by farmers in many agro-ecological zones as a disruptive factor for crop production, including maize. When drought is associated with pest damages, both the quantity (i.e. yield) and the quality (i.e. attributes) of products/harvests are negatively affected. The adverse effects of drought continue to reduce production in different agro-ecological zones of the country, because of the lack of widespread adoption of tolerant varieties. The study suggests actions towards the production of drought-tolerant maize seeds, a promotion of seed companies, the organization of actors and value chains. Apart from climate change, the promotion of value chains is also emerging as one of the important aspects to take into account to sustain maize production in Benin.

scholarly journals Smallholder Farmers’ Vulnerability to Impact of Climate Change in Central Bhutan

2020 ◽  
pp. 286-299
Author(s):  
Pema Rinzin ◽  
Thubten Sonam ◽  
Sangay Tshering ◽  
Purna Prasad Chapagai
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Climate Impact ◽  
Food Component ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Climate change carries immense threat to the livelihood and food security of smallholder farmers in Bhutan and it is therefore crucial to enhance their adaptive capacity.  However, building resiliency to climate impact require information on vulnerability of the system of interest. Therefore, this study assessed smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to impacts of climate change and variability in central regions (Bumthang and Trongsa) of Bhutan. Data was collected from 247 randomly selected households by administering a pre-tested survey questionnaire. Data was analyzed using composite index approach (LVI) and IPCC framework approach (LVI-IPCC). The LVI analysis revealed that Bumthang was more vulnerable in terms of Socio-demographic profile (0.55), social networks (0.45), health (0.31) and natural disasters and climate variability (0.47) compared to Trongsa. Whereas, Trongsa was more vulnerable in terms of livelihood strategies (0.31) and water (0.13). Vulnerability score on the food component was same for both the districts (0.27). Overall, Bumthang was more vulnerable compared to Trongsa on both LVI (Bumthang: 0.36, Trongsa: 0.34) and LVI-IPCC (Bumthang: 0.24, Trongsa: 0.13) analysis. The findings could be used for designing micro-level context specific interventions to enhance smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity to impacts of climate change in central Bhutan.

scholarly journals Variability and Trends of Temperature and Rainfall Over Three Agro-Ecological Zones in North Shewa, Central Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashenafi Hailu Shekuru ◽  
Arega Bazezew Berlie ◽  
Yechale Kebede Bizuneh
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Central Ethiopia ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Annual Minimum Temperature ◽  
Rainfall Anomalies ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Abstract This study aims to analyze variability and trends of temperature and rainfall over three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Central Ethiopia. Gridded rainfall and temperature data, recorded on daily basis for 35 years (1979 - 2013) at 30 meteorological stations, were used for analysis. While Mann–Kendall test was applied to analyze the trends in rainfall and temperature, Sen’s slope estimator was used to determine the magnitude of change. The study detected an upward trend of 0.07°C/annum (p < 0.001) in mean annual maximum temperature at Kolla AEZ. It also showed an upward trend of 0.06/year (p < 0.001) for both Dega and Woina Dega AEZs. Mean annual minimum temperature exhibited an upward trend of 0.03°C/year at Kolla (p < 0.001), Woina Dega (p < 0.05), and Dega (p < 0.01), signifying a 1.05°C increase between 1979 and 2013. Results from precipitation concentration index (PCI) revealed highest percentage (97.1%) of irregular distributions in annual rainfall pattern at Kolla AEZ, followed by Woina Dega (82.9%). Standardized rainfall anomalies (SRA) computed in the study also showed higher percentage (28.6%) of drought in Kolla AEZ, which experienced drought once in every 3 or 4 years. The study revealed negative annual rainfall anomalies for 18 years in Kolla and 16 years in both Dega and Woina Dega AEZs. The reduced precipitation and rise in temperature could trigger wide-ranging influences on agricultural practices and crop production of smallholder farmers. Policymakers and stakeholders should give priority in designing and introducing pro-poor plus geographically differentiated adaptive strategies.

Helping the Helpless: Contribution of Rural Extension Services to Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptive Capacity and Adaptation in Rural Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Asare-Nuamah ◽  
Ebo Botchway ◽  
Justina A. Onumah
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Multiple Strategies ◽  
Transfer Of Skills

While there is no doubt that extension services play an active role in promoting smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity and adaptation to climate change, there is a dearth of information and research on how this institution champions climate change adaptation in rural farming communities in Ghana. This study employed a qualitative case study design and interviewed 15 extension officers and 26 smallholder farmers to understand how extension services enhance smallholder farmers’ climate change adaptive capacity and adaptation in the rural Adansi North District in Ghana. The findings indicate that extension services adopt multiple strategies to build the adaptive capacity of farmers to climate change. Through the transfer of skills and knowledge, technology and innovations, supply of inputs, technical advice and liaison role with existing local institutions, farmers are able to adapt to climate change. The study further revealed that extension services are hindered by geographical, sociocultural and economic challenges which affect their alignment and fitness to effectively assist smallholder farmers. The study recommends strengthening the capacity of the extension institution. Moreover, more experts must be trained to provide special, targeted and important services to smallholder farmers in respect of climate change sensitization and adaptation.

scholarly journals Resilience Level of Highland and Smallholder Farmers in Developing Various Coping-Based Agroforestry in the Upstream Minraleng Sub-Watershed, Maros District

2021 ◽  
Vol 921 (1) ◽  
pp. 012016
Author(s):  
M Dassir ◽  
AP Samuel ◽  
A Usman ◽  
S Nadirah
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Agroforestry System ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Crop Failure ◽  
Mixed Plantations

Abstract Farmers’ households in upstream watersheds in Indonesia experience crop failure in their business cultivation as a result of climate change. The aim of this study, knowing the level of farmer resilience in various agroforestry systems of mixed gardens – talun developed in various agroforestry systems of mixed gardens – talun developed on the highlands in the upstream Minraleng sub-watershed. Data collection was carried out through observation and interviews with farmer household respondents. The results showed that farmer households developed an intercropping agroforestry system of teak and corn in the first phase (1-4 years) and mixed plantations of bananas, cacao and papaya in the second phase (4-15 years), and continued with mixed plantations dominated by teak, have a higher adaptive capacity and levels of resilience to climate change. This is because it has more diversity of plants and a variety of livelihoods, and has the power of mutual association between plants in dealing with drought.

scholarly journals HOUSEHOLD SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING CHOICE OF AGRO-ADVISORY DISSEMINATION PATHWAYS IN SEMI-ARID AREAS OF KENYA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debrah Onyango ◽  
Hezron Mogaka ◽  
Samuel Njiri Ndirangu ◽  
Kwena Kizito
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

This work covers the dissemination of climate change adaptation information in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya with the aim of improving the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers through dissemination of well package technologies referred to as agro-advisories.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document