Socio-economic determinants of smallholder mixed crop-livestock farmers’ choice of climate change adaptation in the drylands of Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to understand the perception of smallholder farmers on climate change, identify major livestock related climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies and their determinants in selected neighboring districts of Tigray and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach A total of 416 household heads were involved in a questionnaire survey using a multistage sampling approach. To understand the socio-economic factors that influence farmers’ perception on climate change (CC) and/or variability, a binary logit model was used. Multinomial logit model was used to identify the determinants of smallholder farmers’ choices of adaptation strategies. Findings Milk reduction, weight loss, feed shortage and frequent animal disease outbreak were indicated as major impacts of CC on livestock production. About 86.2% of the farmers’ exercise CCA measures where livestock health care and management (25%), followed by livelihood diversification (21.5%) and shifting and diversification of livestock species (20.9%) were the top three adaptation measures implemented. Education, knowledge on CCA strategies, access to veterinary service and extension, market access, annual income, non-farm income, total livestock unit, sex of household head and household size were the major determinant factors to farmers’ choice of CCA. Research limitations/implications Concerned authorities working in CC related sectors should give due attention to improve smallholder farmers’ access to extension and veterinary services, market access and climate information to enhance their adaptive capacity to CC impacts. In addition, incorporating climate change awareness trainings into the existing extension packages is crucial to enhance the awareness of farmers on climate change and implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it is very essential to provide appropriate herd management and marketing strategy based on the production system to avoid the significant price reduction during drought periods. Practical implications Concerned authorities working in CC related sectors should give due attention to improve smallholder farmers’ access to extension and veterinary services, market access and climate information to enhance their adaptive capacity to CC impacts. In addition, incorporating climate change awareness trainings into the existing extension packages is crucial to implement appropriate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it is very essential to provide appropriate herd management and marketing strategy based on the production system to avoid the significant price reduction during drought periods. Originality/value This research is focused on smallholder crop-livestock farmers, livestock-based CCASs and presents the determinant factors to their choice of adaptation.

Does Socio-Economics Factor Influence Beef Cattle Farmers' Ability to Adapt to Climate Change?

“…This indicates that the higher the level of education pursued by farmers, the higher the likelihood of using this strategy. Similar findings were discovered by Menghistu et al (2021) who stated the level of education significantly influenced (p ≤ 0.05) the improvement of livestock feed. Both of these findings reaffirm that the education level of farmers is important to consider.…”

AKADEMIYA2063 Working Paper Series - N.008

“…This finding is in line with that of Belay et al (2017) who found that household size had a favorable and substantial effect on improved animal feed regime adoption. Menghistu et al (2021) concluded that larger households can draw on more diverse sources of knowledge in determining which feed regime is optimal to use for their livestock.…”

An economic assessment of the impact of climate change on the Gambia’s agriculture sector: a CGE approach

“…The aforementioned will result in a decrease in livestock production by 7.5%–9.6% which will cause an estimated economic loss of US$9.7–12.6bn. The multiplier effect of the foregoing will lead to an increase in livestock prices, a decrease in production and reduced income for those who depend on livestock farming for their sustenance and livelihoods (Simpkin et al , 2020; Menghistu et al , 2021).…”