Farmers' livelihood vulnerability to climate-related risks in the North Wello Zone, northern Ethiopia

Abstract

In developing countries, the rural population is heavily reliant on income from rainfed agriculture and related activities. Hence, any decline in agricultural productivity has implications for their food security and well-being. The study sought to ascertain the extent and sources of livelihood vulnerability to climate-related risks in various agro-ecological zones. Data on the indicators was collected in a questionnaire-based survey of 421 randomly selected household heads across three agro-ecological zones. An integrated indicator approach was applied to analyze farmers' livelihood vulnerability situations. The findings show that smallholder farmers face varying degrees of climate change vulnerability within the same farming system in the study area. Households that reside in lowland agro-ecology (Habru) are relatively more vulnerable, followed by those households settled in the highland (Gidan) and midland (Gubalafto) agro-ecologies. In lowland agroecology, locust outbreaks and intermittent rainfall patterns combined with limited access to potable water have contributed the largest share to the livelihood vulnerability index to climate-related risks. Poor access to electricity and clean water and a low crop diversification index were the most significant contributors to the higher sensitivity score. Farmers in lowland and highland agro-ecological zones have a weak adaptive capacity due to a less developed infrastructure, low level of education, low farm income, and institutional support. The finding suggests that promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices based on agroecosystem information is worthwhile to reduce the sensitivity and exposure of the livelihood of farmers.