Thirteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Despite a widespread debate regarding the impact of climate change in the Central Rift Valley (CRV) of Ethiopia, little is known about households’ perception of the change and its impacts and the adaptation measures they take. This study examined households’ perception of climate change and its impacts, types of adaptation practices, and barriers to adaptation. Precipitation and temperature data (1981-2009), household survey, and FGDs were used for this study. A large majority (98.1%) of the surveyed households perceived a change in the climate. Regarding the pattern of change, 94.2% and 87.2% of the households believed that temperature had increased and rainfall had declined over the last 30 years, respectively. However, the climate data show no evidence that corroborates the households’ claim that rainfall had reduced. Drought, shortage of rain, and change in rainfall timing were the top three climate-related hazards identified to have affected the household. More than three-quarters of the households perceived that drought had resulted in a loss of assets, death of livestock, reduced consumption, the decline in crop yield, and food insecurity. In response to these impacts, households have adopted a wide range of adaptation practices. Lack of knowledge about adaptation options, lack of information on climate, lack of water, lack of money, and shortage of land and labour were perceived to be the barriers to undertake effective adaptation measures. A better understanding of the views of households could serve as a useful entry point to craft policies and farther interventions at the national and local level.