Determinants of farmers' responses to climate variability hazards in East Belesa district, Ethiopia

Abstract

Climate variability hazards are becoming more pronounced globally. Ethiopia being highly vulnerable due to its dependence on agriculture and natural resources. Adaptation strategies and coping mechanism are critical in reducing the adverse impacts of climate change and building resilience in these regions. This study aimed to explore farmers' response to climate variability hazards and its determinants of adaptation strategies and coping mechanism at East Belesa District. The study area was purposively selected due to its vulnerability to climate variability hazards, and one hundred thirty-three households were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models. This study identifies and analyzes critical environmental stressors affecting agricultural systems, with a focus on climate-related hazards. The most prevalent stressor, drought (91.72%), is a major contributor to food insecurity. Flooding (69.92%), snow/hailstorms (90.22%), and frost (67.66%) are also significant stressors that affect crop production through soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and direct physical damage. Dry winds (85.71%) exacerbate erosion and crop desiccation, while crop disorders (75.93%) are increasingly linked to pests, diseases, and erratic weather patterns. Widespread erosion (87.21%), often resulting from heavy rainfall or flooding, further degrades soil health. The findings reveal that older, more experienced farmers with larger farms are more likely to engage in traditional practices like fallowing and planting Acacia species. Education, extension services, and credit access are key drivers of adaptive capacity, enhancing the likelihood of adopting sustainable farming practices. Off-farm coping strategies, including remittances and migration, are influenced by factors such as age and farm size, with younger farmers more likely to migrate. These results show the need for targeted interventions that combine both traditional and modern knowledge,  to enhance climate resilience in farming communities.