In the arid landscapes of Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia, farmers are grappling with the harsh realities of drought and its crippling effects on their livelihoods. A recent study published in ‘Agricultural Water Management’ (translated as ‘Water Management in Agriculture’) sheds light on how climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPr) can mitigate these impacts and boost household consumption expenditure. The research, led by Jafer Mume Ahmed from the Agricultural Economics Department at Fadis Agricultural Research Center and the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate-Smart-Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE-Climate-SABC) at Haramaya University, offers a beacon of hope for drought-prone regions.
The study, which employed a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model, analyzed factors influencing the adoption of CSAPr and their subsequent impact on consumption expenditure. The findings are compelling. “The highest consumption expenditure was obtained when farmers adopted a combination of crop diversification and irrigation practices,” Ahmed explains. This combination yielded an impressive 12,610.9 Ethiopian Birr (ETB), significantly higher than the 9,434.5 ETB reported by non-adopters.
The research highlights that education, family size, livestock ownership, market information, drought experience, and access to climate information are critical factors influencing the adoption of CSAPr. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of these findings: “It is very important to advance farmers’ information on drought and adoption strategies. Policymakers ought to develop and encourage farmers’ asset-building plans, adult education, market linkage facilities, and extension services to enhance the adoption of CSAPr practices.”
The study also revealed that joint adoption of multiple practices leads to greater benefits. “Out of the total consumption increase by adoption of CSAPr, 72.4 percent of the increment was obtained by adopting practices in combination, whereas 27.6 percent was by single practices,” Ahmed notes. This underscores the need for a holistic approach to climate-smart agriculture.
The implications for the agricultural sector are profound. By promoting the adoption of climate-smart practices, policymakers can help farmers mitigate the impacts of drought, enhance their resilience, and improve their economic well-being. The study’s recommendations call for policies that encourage joint adoption of climate-smart practices to increase climate change mitigation and consumption expenditure.
As the world grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change, this research offers valuable insights into how agricultural practices can be adapted to build resilience and ensure food security. The findings not only highlight the importance of education and information dissemination but also underscore the need for comprehensive policies that support farmers in adopting climate-smart practices. In doing so, the study paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for agricultural communities in drought-prone regions.