Perceptions and adaptation to climate change among livestock farmers in Tigray, Ethiopia

Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable regions such as Tigray, Ethiopia, where livestock-based livelihoods face growing threats from rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather that intensify diseases, deplete pastures, and strain water resources.This study examined the awareness levels, perceived impacts, and adaptation strategies of small-scale farmers in Tigray, focusing on three districts Raya Azebo, Kolla Tembien, and Tselemti, chosen for their significant livestock populations and susceptibility to climate-sensitive diseases. Employing a cross-sectional design with a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, data were collected from 597 farmers through structured surveys, 30 key informant interviews, and three focus group discussions. Findings revealed that while 62% of farmers were aware of climate change, a significant portion held misconceptions, such as attributing it to divine forces, highlighting critical gaps in understanding. Additionally, perceptions varied by district, reflecting local microclimatic conditions. Farmers adopted measures such as rearing drought-tolerant animals and using local feeds, but their efforts were hindered by resource shortages and inadequate institutional backing. Notably, climate change was perceived to have a severe impact on livestock health and productivity, with 97% of respondents recognizing its effects, particularly on feed availability and disease incidence. This underscored the importance of combining indigenous knowledge with modern approaches to improve adaptive capacity, raise climate awareness, and bridge institutional gaps, ultimately enhancing the resilience of livestock farmers in Tigray.