Teff farmers’ climate change perception, adaptation strategies and their determinants and constraints in Horro Guduru Wallaga Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract This study assesses how teff farmers’ perception of climate change, identifies adaptation strategies, and analyzes factors influencing their adoption in the Horro Guduru Wallaga zone, Ethiopia. A survey was conducted with 352 respondents selected by a multistage sampling technique. The Climate Change Risk Perception Index (CCRPI) and Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) were used to assess farmers’ perception of climate change and constraints of climate change adaptation. The determinants of the famers ’ decision to adopt adaptation strategies were analyzed using a multivariate probit model. Increased rainfall onset and cessation unpredictability, and extended rainfall cessation were the most commonly perceived changes in climate stimuli. Soil and water conservation and mass mobilization of household members are the most important climate change adaptation strategies. Low availability of improved teff varieties and limited access to agricultural mechanizations and climate information are the main challenges to climate change adaptation in the area. The results reveal that male headship and higher education level are the main drivers of adopting adjusting sowing date, soil and water conservation, and improved crop varieties. However, male headship and a higher education level of the household head reduce the decision to use household mobilization. Most of the teff producers in the study area perceived climate change, but the adoption of different adaptation strategies is highly affected by different socioeconomic and institutional factors. To improve farmers’ adaptation to climate change, gender-responsive adaptation policies like improving access to improved teff varieties and agricultural mechanizations and promoting adult learning that involves female farmers are recommended.