Perception of camel herders on climate change and variability in relation to camel production in Borana zone, Southern Ethiopia

Camel production is under climatic stress, where it plays a significant role in the livelihood and food security of camel herders in the Borana areas. Camel herders’ perceptions of climate change and variability are essential in response to climatic challenges and maintaining sustainable camel production. The aim of this study was to assess perceptions of camel herders about climate change and variability in relation to camel production in Borana Zone. A total of 260 respondents were selected based on systematic random and purposive sampling targeting camel herders. Over 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) of meteorological data were taken from the Ethiopian National Meteorology Institute. The study showed that 86.92% of the respondents perceived an increase in temperature trends, while 74.23% and 73.08% of them perceived a decrease in the amount and intensity of rainfall, respectively. Among respondents, 67.69%, 86.54%, and 73.38% of the respondents perceived high variability, late onset, and short duration of rainfall in the last three decades, respectively. Similarly, meteorological data confirmed that both mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures increased significantly (P < 0.01). Meteorological data showed 25% and 32%–66% of medium annual and high seasonal rainfall variations, respectively. Respondents observed, besides the high number of cattle deaths, reduced productivity and reproductive performance of camels as causes of recent climate change and variability. Under this climatic stress, respondents preferred the production of camels, followed by goats, and they used different adaptation mechanisms to cope with climate change effects. This findings confirmed respondents perceived the variations of rainfall and increased temperature consistent with meteorological data. Therefore, considering the perception of camel herders, systematic prediction and adaptation of climate change and variability are needed to reduce the impact of climate threats and thereby improve the resilience of camel owners in the study areas.