dc.description.abstract |
Climate change is one of the challenges facing the world today, particularly the developing
countries which have low adaptive capacity. Ethiopia is one of these countries increasingly
affected by climate change and the consequent extreme events such as drought and flood. This
study was conducted in South Gonder Zone, Lay Gayint District to investigate farmer’s
perception, vulnerability and adaptation strategies to climate change. A multi-stage sampling
technique was employed and Lay Gayint District was selected purposely. 29 Kebeles were
stratified into three Agro-climatic zones and three Kebeles were selected randomly from each
agro-climatic zone. Sample of households were selected with proportionate random sample
technique from each Kebele. Household survey, key informant interviews and focus group
discussion were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Climate data was
obtained from Nefas Mewcha Meteorological stations. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index 01
Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change was used as a framework to analyze the data,
determine the vulnerability status and patterns of the study site communities to variability
impacts and also Kebeles were rated between 0 and 1 for least and most vulnerable
respectively. The perception of households, adaptation strategies, determinants of farmer’s
choice data’s were collected and analyzed by using descriptive statistics of Statistical
Package for Social Science version.23. The result show’s that, the midland kebeles were more
vulnerable than low lands and high lands; this could be associated with poor irrigation
practice, existing limited non-agricultural income, higher coverage of cultivated steep slopes
and poor afforestation practice. The household’s adaptation strategies include soil and water
conservation practice, changing crop sowing date, use of improved crop variety, practicing
irrigation and forestry practices. The major factors determining farmer’s decision to adapt or
not includes livestock husbandry, using productive technology, extension service and
availability of agro-climatologically information. Based on obtained results the researcher
suggests; need to enhance extension service, use of improved crop varieties, and improve
sustainability of watershed management practices, livestock breed and income generating
activities so as to enhance the social-ecology of the study area.
Key words: Climate change, vulnerability, vulnerability index, adaptation, Lay Gayint
Districtvi |
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