Analysis of Climate Change Perceptions, Effects and Adaptation Strategies in Raytu District of Oromiya Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study presents the perception, effects and adaptation of climate change and observed trends of the variability in temperature and rainfall from data collected in 2013.The results showed that there is a long term temperature (0.08°c per year) and rainfall change(-1.328 mm per year). The change in the main components of the climate system was also confirmed to be in line with the community's perception about the changing climate. Major climate related hazards witnessed were Livestock disease, Occurrence of drought, Pest infestation, Water stress and Pasture loss. The findings also indicated, in Rayitu district, changing seasonality was essentially explained by late onset and early offset of rainfall and increased temperature trends. Temporal migration, livestock mobility, herd diversification, rearing of shoats rather than cattle ,shifting to crop production, herd splitting ,tree planting , practicing non- farm activities, changing planting date, planting tree and use irrigation are dominantly being practiced as climate change adaptation strategies in the district. The finding indicated that better access to crop and livestock extension and credit services and farm and non-farm annual income, land ownership, household head sex and level of education are critical for helping agro pastoralist adapt to climate change. Generally, the findings suggest that all efforts in the study area must support these diversified adaptation strategies, if these communities are to be resilient against climate related hazards.