Abstract:
Climate variability is causing the greatest environmental, social and economic threats to all of mankind and across borders in many nations. The purpose of this study is to assess effects of climate variability on rural livelihoods and adaptation strategies. Thus, the study sought to examine the patterns and variability of rainfall and temperature in the last two decades, to explore effects of climate variability on rural livelihoods and assess the existing adaptation strategies and challenges practiced by small holding farmers. To achieve the objectives set, appropriate data was collected from three sample Kebeles, which were selected through stratified sampling method based on their agro-ecological conditions. And 169 household heads were using stratified random sampling from the three sample Kebeles for household survey. Three FGD each composed of six individuals from different socio-economic status and age groups were selected and used as primary sources of information. Key informant interview were used for collection of data. The finding of the study reveals that some elements of climate (temperature and rainfall) show inter annual and seasonal variability with slightly increasing trend. And the main source of income in the study area is rain fed agriculture, which is being adversely affected by unpredictable and decreasing rainfall and flooding, high temperature. To adapt to the changing climate of the area, farmers are already practicing long aged adaptation strategies along with some government interventions in response to the Climate variability. Several socio economic challenges have been hindering farmers’ effort to undertake various adaptation strategies in response to the existing climate variability effects on their livelihoods. Therefore, increasing farmers’ awareness on how to use agricultural technologies and inputs, restoring the degraded environment, facilitating access to credit services, diversifying source of income, building the capacity of farmers and encouraging CBA strategies as the main poverty reduction approach.
