Perceptions, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Ethiopia: The Case of Smallholder Farmers in Sidama

Climate change is one of the most complex problems of our time presenting

unique challenges for societies. For developing countries such as Ethiopia, it complicates existing
challenges of development. The problem is aggravated for Sidama’s smallholder farmers’ who depend
on rain-­‐fed agriculture to produce coffee for global market and Enset for subsistence. Yet
farmers’ understanding and responses to climate change have not been seriously acknowledged nor
empirically studied.

This doctoral thesis explores perceptions, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. More
specifically it seeks to explore, document and analyse perceptions of climate change, examine
vulnerability of farmers and their adaptation strategies as well as the state of mainstreaming
climate change adaptation to development policy in Ethiopia.

To achieve these aims, the study deploys comparative case study research design to analyse climate
change in three agroecological zones. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used
for data collection and analysis. A modified form of sustainable livelihoods framework is deployed
as analytical tool to investigate vulnerability context, livelihood assets, institutions enabling
or hindering adaptation. Fieldwork research took place from January 2012 -­‐ May 2012 involving a
survey with 120 farmers, focus group discussion with 30 farmers, semi-­‐structured interviews with
15 farmers and 17 policy makers.

Findings reveal increased temperature, high rainfall variability and inter-­‐annual and
intra-­‐seasonal variation. Farmers clearly perceived climate risks based on their experience and
knowledge of their local environment. They also took a number of measures to adapt to climate
change within their capacity. They need informed public policy and research to help create
enabling conditions for
sustainable livelihoods and increased resilience.