Adaptation to Increase Resilience to Climate Change in Ethiopian Agriculture

General

Ethiopia's agriculture sector contributes 42 to 45% of its gross domestic product and employs more than 80% of the population. However, the sector remains fragile and vulnerable to climate change. This project will provide knowledge to help Ethiopians adapt. Climate change and agriculture in Ethiopia Scientists are predicting that rainfall in Ethiopia will be more variable, with more drought- and flood-related incidents in the future. Projected rainfall changes will make Ethiopia even more vulnerable to harvest and food shortfalls. Small-scale farmers will need to adopt water management technologies to increase food output in the face of a changing climate. There is a need to identify the barriers that farmers face. Enhancing adaptation through research This project aims to enhance the adaptation process in Ethiopia by -analyzing combinations of technologies for profitability and ease of use; -identifying barriers for optimal adaptation by examining data from the Blue Nile Basin that has a focus on climate change in small-scale agriculture; and -conducting a randomized controlled trial of a policy intervention designed to improve adaptation options that are socially accepted. The project team will also investigate how gender differentiated ime and risk preferences affect whether and to what extent households adopt technology. Results will help government and farmers The researchers will share their evidence-based analysis with the Ethiopian Ministries of Agriculture, and Water, Irrigation and Energy. The findings are expected to inform ongoing government policies and programs designed to increase adoption rates, crop yields, food security, sustainable agricultural growth, and resilience in the face of climate change. Programs include the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy and the second phase of the Sustainable Land Management Sector Program. The project will build skills and knowledge among younger researchers, such as postdoctoral, PhD, and postgraduate students. The team will train farmers and extension agents, who educate farmers in new innovations. Research outputs will include scientific peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.