Pastoralists’ perception towards climate change and meteorological evidences: A case of Teltele District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s weak ability to tolerate climate change and its restricted livelihood options hinder its ability to adapt to it. The fluctuations and changes in the climate have a significant effect on pastoralists. Therefore, this study aims to assess pastoralists’ perceptions of climate change and compare them to meteorological evidence in the Teltele District of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A multiphase sampling method was utilized to choose representative kebeles and pastoralists. Through rigorous random selection, 349 sample pastoralists were chosen from the district’s three kebeles. Cross-sectional surveying was used to conduct the study. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and key informant interviews; meteorological data were provided by the National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia. The sociodemographic, economic, and institutional features as well as the pastoralists’ perceptions were examined using descriptive statistics and Likert scale assessments. A Mann–Kendall statistical test was used to analyze temperature and rainfall trends over 31 (1991–2021, G.C.) years. The results revealed that throughout the 31 years, temperature significantly increased at (p < 0.01) while rainfall significantly decreased at (p < 0.05). Pastoralists constantly perceived this climate change over time. Therefore, future policy and research should focus on linking pastoralists’ perceptions to trends in meteorological evidence to formulate effective adaptation options and instruments to mitigate the impact of change and to improve the adaptive capacity of the pastoralists.