Adoption of climate change adaptation strategies by maize-dependent smallholders in Ethiopia

Abstract

Climate change is an environmental process that is among the most limiting factors for increasing or even maintaining food production by small-farmer communities in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Adoption of climate change adaptation strategies that increase agricultural productivity and at the same time building farmers' resilience capacity has become a top policy priority in SSA. In this study, we investigate how maize-dependent smallholders in Ethiopia adapt to climate change. Both household and plot-level data were collected, and subsequently analysed by a multivariate probit regression model. Results show that most climate change adaptation strategies implemented by maize-dependent smallholders, are complementary. Combining conservation tillage, mixed maize-legume cropping and terracing along with the use of drought-resistant maize varieties allows farmers to increase productivity while building resilience to climate change more than a subset of these strategies. Findings indicate that the likelihood of adopting soil and water conservation practices, drought-resistant maize varieties and chemical fertilizers significantly increase among young and male-headed households as well as farmers having confidence in extension agents and membership in local organisations. Hence, policies should aim at further building agricultural extension agents' capacity by providing effective and continuous education and training on climate change impacts and responses. Promoting family ties and household memberships in local organisations through facilitating mutual cooperation and communication among farming communities would help to foster adoption of climate change adaptation strategies.

The Drivers of Maize Area Expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa. How Policies to Boost Maize Production Overlook the Interests of Smallholder Farmers

“…This increases farmers' vulnerability on a household level, as well as for the food system [6]. Research has shown that farmers who diversify their crops are more resilient to climate change and better maintain soil fertility, for example in Ethiopia [35], where land use for maize more than doubled in the past decades [36]. Dan Taylor [37] studied the consequences of maize replacing resilient farming systems based on drought-resistant sorghum and millet in Southern Africa, which demonstrates the complex effects of maize substituting traditional crops.…”

The impact of adaptation practices on crop productivity in northwest Ethiopia: an endogenous switching estimation

“…Numerous studies have established empirical evidence on the association of various variables with climate change adaptation and crop production. Natural, physical, financial, social and institutional capitals play an important role in climate change adaptation and production (Bedeke et al 2018). For instance, large land size provides the opportunity for diversification (Bedeke et al 2018).…”

“…Natural, physical, financial, social and institutional capitals play an important role in climate change adaptation and production (Bedeke et al 2018). For instance, large land size provides the opportunity for diversification (Bedeke et al 2018). Farmers endowed with fertile land less likely invest in SWC (Shiferaw et al 2014;Bedeke et al 2018).…”

“…For instance, large land size provides the opportunity for diversification (Bedeke et al 2018). Farmers endowed with fertile land less likely invest in SWC (Shiferaw et al 2014;Bedeke et al 2018). Moreover, farmers who own gentle slope land less likely construct SWC due to its less exposure for erosion (Kassie et al 2013;Asrat and Simane 2017).…”

“…Moreover, family size, farm experience, education (see Khanal et al 2018) and farmers' access to information reduces the climate risk through informing adaption practices (Deressa et al 2009;Kassie et al 2013;Khanal et al 2018). The institutional services provided by extension agents positively influence the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies through knowledge and confidence building (Bedeke et al 2018). Family size, access to extension and owning more livestock increases the likelihood of adaptation and food security (Amare and Simane 2018).…”