EXPLORING THE PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF CLIMATESMART AGRICULTURE IN AGRO-PASTORAL LIVELIHOODS: A CASE STUDY OF HARSHIN WOREDA IN SOMALI REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

This study investigates the practices and challenges of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) within agro-pastoral livelihoods in Harshin Woreda, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, and a region particularly vulnerable to climate change. The primary objective was to assess the existing climate patterns, understand the impact of climate change on agro-pastoral communities, and identify the CSA practices adopted by these communities. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the barriers to implementing CSA practices and their effects on the livelihoods of agro-pastoral households. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Multivariate probit (MVP) was employed to identify factors influencing adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, while the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was used to evaluate the impact of adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices on the annual income of households in the study area. The study sampled 286 agro-pastoral households from Harshin Woreda, utilizing questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to gather comprehensive data. The analysis revealed significant climatic challenges, such as increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall, which exacerbate the vulnerabilities of agro-pastoral communities. The study also identified key CSA practices, including crop rotation, water-efficient irrigation, and integrated soil fertility management, though the overall adoption rate remains low due to barriers such as limited access to resources, inadequate institutional support, and cultural resistance to change. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to enhance the adoption of CSA practices, which are essential for improving the resilience and sustainability of agro-pastoral livelihoods in the face of climate change. The research contributes valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners, offering practical recommendations to strengthen CSA adoption. These insights are crucial for developing effective policies and programs that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia and similar regions. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of addressing the barriers to CSA adoption through improved resource access, institutional support, and community engagement. These steps are vital for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.