In the heart of Ethiopia’s West Shewa Zone, farmers in the Dendi District are grappling with a silent yet formidable challenge: climate change. A recent study led by Busha Getachew from the School of Natural Resources at Ambo University’s Guder Mamo Mezemir Campus, sheds light on how these farmers perceive the shifting climate and the strategies they employ to adapt. The research, published in the journal ‘Climate Services’, offers a compelling narrative of resilience and the urgent need for support in the face of environmental change.
The study, which involved interviews with 144 farmers, key informant discussions, and a thorough analysis of climate data from 1990 to 2021, reveals a stark reality. Maximum temperatures in the region are on the rise, while mean minimum temperatures are slightly decreasing. Rainfall, a lifeline for these communities, has significantly declined over the past three decades. Farmers are acutely aware of these changes; 79.2% reported perceiving rising temperatures, and 77.1% noted a decrease in both the amount and distribution of rainfall.
“Climate change is not just about numbers and graphs,” says Getachew. “It’s about the daily struggles of farmers who rely on the land for their livelihoods. When the rains fail or the temperatures soar, it’s not just a crop that’s lost—it’s a family’s food security and income.”
The impacts are severe. Prolonged droughts, floods, crop diseases, and erosion are becoming increasingly common, disrupting agricultural operations and leading to reduced yields, delayed planting, and increased pest infestations. The commercial implications are significant, particularly for the energy sector. As agricultural productivity declines, the demand for alternative energy sources may rise, potentially straining resources and infrastructure.
Farmers are not passive victims; they are actively adapting. They are adjusting cropping calendars, changing crop types, diversifying livelihoods, and adopting improved crop varieties and irrigation methods. However, these efforts are often constrained by limited resources and skills. “Adaptation is not easy,” notes a farmer quoted in the study. “We need more support, better information, and access to new technologies to cope with these changes.”
The study highlights the need for reliable climate information, training on climate-smart agriculture, and improved irrigation methods. These interventions could significantly enhance farmers’ resilience and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. The research also underscores the importance of understanding local perceptions and practices, which can inform more effective and contextually relevant interventions.
As the world grapples with the broader implications of climate change, the experiences of farmers in Dendi District serve as a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The study, published in the journal ‘Climate Services’, which translates to ‘Weather Services’ in English, provides a roadmap for supporting farmers in their adaptation efforts and ensuring food security in the face of a changing climate.
This research could shape future developments in climate services, particularly in how climate data is communicated and utilized at the local level. It underscores the need for tailored, community-driven solutions that empower farmers to adapt to climate change while maintaining their livelihoods. As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the lessons from Dendi District offer valuable insights into building resilience and sustainability in agriculture.