Analysis of the trends of climate variability over two different eco-regions of Ethiopia

Abstract This study analyzed the trends of precipitation and temperature in two eco-regions, which represent the whole part of Ethiopia based on climate variations. Mann–Kendall, Sen’s slope estimator test and innovative trend analysis method were used to detect precipitation and temperature trends. The observed historical meteorological data from 1980 to 2016 were used to analyze the trends in this study. MATLAB software was used to analyze the trends of climate variability. The findings of this study showed that the trends of precipitation were statistically significant with a positive trend in Gondar (β = 1.84) and Bahir Dar (β = 1.80) of highland eco-regions, whereas a significant increasing trend was observed in Negele (β = 23.40) and Gewane (β = 0.10) of lowland eco-regions. However, Sekoru (β = 0.01) and Degahabur (β = 4.13) stations showed a significant decreasing trend. As far as trends of temperature are concerned, a statistically significant increasing trend of temperature was observed in Gondar (β = 0.04) and Bahir Dar (β = 0.08), and a sharp significant decreasing trend was observed in Sekoru (β = 0.01) stations of highland eco-regions. The lowland eco-regions (Gewane (β = 0. 10), Degahabur (β = 0.03) and Negele (β = 0.07)) showed a statistically significant increasing trend. The consistency in precipitation and temperature trends over the two eco-regions of Ethiopia confirms the robustness of the change in trends. Further study should be done by taking more stations and datasets to reach a conclusion whether climate change has occurred or not. However, the findings of this study could provide insights for policy- and decision-makers to take proactive measures for climate change mitigation.