Adaptive responses and determinants of adaptation decisions to climate change: evidence from rainfed-dependent farmers in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Understanding farmers’ perceptions and responses to climate change (CC) is crucial for decision-makers to design effective adaptation strategies. This study examines farmers’ perceptions of CC, their adaptation responses, and the determinants influencing their decisions on CC adaptation strategies in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 339 randomly selected household heads in two districts using a semi-structured questionnaire. Additionally, focus group discussions were held at each Kebele to support the findings from the quantitative survey. Farmers in the study area are aware of CC and its adverse impacts on agriculture and ecosystems. In response, they adopt various strategies, including changing planting dates, switching to short-maturing varieties, practising soil and water conservation, livestock diversification, destocking livestock, and small-scale irrigation. Results from the multivariate probit model employed indicate that the educational level of the household head, farm size, income, farm experience, livestock ownership, and membership in a farmer cooperative significantly influence farmers’ choices of adaptation strategies. The study’s findings suggest the need for substantial investment in farmer schooling, diversifying farmers’ sources of income to generate backup savings, and focusing on the start-up of local community organizations. Furthermore, there is a need to improve the capacity of farmers to adopt autonomous and policy-driven adaptation strategies.