Adaptation practices of smallholder farmers to climate variability: Evidence from three agroecological zones in northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Farmers' strategies to adapt to climate variability are crucial for maintaining sustainable livelihoods, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia, where the economy is heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture. This study examines climate variability adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers across different agroecological zones, along with the factors influencing their choices. Data were collected from 383 farm households using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The multivariate probit model (MVP) was employed to analyze the determinants of farmers' adaptation strategies. The findings reveal that crop diversification (79.9 %), drought-resistant varieties (62 %), early-maturing crops (55.6 %), and soil and water conservation (49.4 %) are the most widely adopted adaptation strategies across the three agroecological zones. The MVP model identified several key factors influencing farmers' choice of adaptation strategies, including age, education, family size, farm size, annual income, access to extension services, agroecological zone, livestock ownership, and market proximity. These factors play a significant role in shaping farmers' decisions and highlight the importance of tailored, context-specific policies. The study emphasizes prioritizing farmers' specific requirements and using region-specific approaches to better understand what drives their adaptation decisions. By addressing these factors, policymakers and stakeholders can enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate variability, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.