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The Role of Climatic and Non-Climatic Factors in Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Responses: Insights from Rural Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Rahwa Kidane

    (Institute of Climate and Society, Mekelle University, Mekelle 231, Ethiopia)

  • Thomas Wanner

    (Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia)

  • Melissa Nursey-Bray

    (Department of Geography, Environment and Population, Faculty of Arts, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia)

  • Md. Masud-All-Kamal

    (Department of Sociology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh)

  • Gerald Atampugre

    (Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana)

Abstract

This paper discusses how climatic and non-climatic factors, either separately or together, shape the adaptation responses of smallholder farmers in the Raya Azebo district of Ethiopia. Their adaptation responses included adjusting planting periods, crop diversification, changing crop types, adopting improved seeds, using irrigation, conducting migration, participation in wage employment, selling local food and drinks, and owning small shops. These adaptation responses were motivated by various climatic (e.g., drought and rainfall variability) as well as non-climatic factors (e.g., market conditions, yield-related factors, land scarcity, labor shortages, soil fertility issues, crop diseases, and limited local employment options). We therefore argue (i) that successful adaptation requires a broader understanding not just of climatic factors but also of the various social-ecological factors that shape smallholder farmers’ adaptations; and (ii) that the successful design and implementation of locally appropriate planned adaptation interventions require the inclusion of both climatic and non-climatic factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Rahwa Kidane & Thomas Wanner & Melissa Nursey-Bray & Md. Masud-All-Kamal & Gerald Atampugre, 2022. "The Role of Climatic and Non-Climatic Factors in Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Responses: Insights from Rural Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5715-:d:811448
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    References listed on IDEAS

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