Abstract:
This study examined farmers’ responses to climate variability and change in Minjar Shenkora
woreda of the Amhara region of Ethiopia. To achieve the objectives of the study, data were
collected from both primary and secondary sources. Simple random sampling technique was
employed to draw 123 sample households, proportionally selected from Woinadega and Kolla
agro-ecological zones. Descriptive statistics was employed to assess farmers’ socio demographic characteristics, perceptions, barriers and adaptation measures. The study also
attempted to identify factors affecting farmers’ responses to climate change and variability using
binomial logistic regression. The study showed that, most of the local farmers perceived a
decreasing trend in the amount of rainfall whereas an increasing trend in temperature. This was
consistent with the results of the analysis of scientific data obtained from the Ethiopian
Meteorological Agency. In response to the impacts of climate change and variability farmers
used several strategies including crop diversification, planting improved and early maturing
crops, planting trees, engaging on off-farm activities, growing drought resistance crops,
changing planting date and seasons, implementing soil conservation practices and increasing
improved seed. The binomial logistic regression model analysis showed that age, sex, education,
family size, farm size, distance to market, access to extension services, credit, distance to farm
land and awareness to climate change and variability were the key determinant factors
influencing farmers’ responses to climate change and variability.
