ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION: THE CASE OF MAOKOMO SPECIAL WOREDA OF BENISHANGUL GUMUZ REGION, NORTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Climate change is causing the greatest environmental, social and economic threats to all humankind and across borders in many nations. Perception about the cause, impacts and necessary response mechanisms to cope with the impact of climate calamities is important for any population in a given community. In view of this fact, this study assesses local smallholder farmers’ perception, focusing mainly on insight of the local people on climate variability and change, its impact, their responses and barriers. The study also analysed rainfall and temperature variability and its impact on agricultural crop production and identifying the corresponding adaptation strategies employed by farmers in the study areas (two sub districts/kebeles namely Kokeb and Yaá/Yabaldigis) of Maokomo Special district found in South Western part of Benshangul Gumuz Region of Ethiopia. It relied on both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. The methodologies employed for primary data collection were Focus Group Discussions, interviews, observation and household survey. The study also used historically recorded rainfall and temperature data from 1979 to 2013. The analysis done on climate variability was triangulated against results from the perception of local communities about the changing climate of the area with reference to climate data from years 1979-2013. The finding of the study showed that both maximum and minimum temperature had increased, rainfall pattern has been variable through time whereas annual rainfall had slightly decreased and showed inter annual variation. Local people perceived climate variability and change-induced hazards such as erratic rainfall, pests and disease, significant ix forest fire, which have been negatively affecting their agricultural production, livelihood and environment. The most common adaptation options include: change in cropping pattern, growing short maturing crops, diversification of livelihood and rain water harvesting.