TITLE:
The Effect of Climate Change and Variability on the Livelihoods of Local Communities: In the Case of Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia
AUTHORS:
Mikias Biazen
KEYWORDS:
Climate Change, Variability, Vulnerability, Livelihood, Impact, Community
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.1 No.4,
July
21,
2014
ABSTRACT: A study was conducted with the
objectives of investigating the effect of climate change and variability on the
livelihood of the local community in Arsi Negele District, Central Refit Valley
Region of Ethiopia using group discussions, structured questionnaire and personal
observations. The trends of climate
change and variability in the study area showed gradual change. Erratic
rainfall, frequent rain delay, heavy and un-seasonal rainfall, drought, and
seasonal variations are indicators of climate change. The pattern of
temperature, rainfall, and high wind caused the reduction of agricultural
production and productivity, shortage of water, drying of
shrubs and other vegetations, which affect the livelihood of the community.
The problem is more sensitive for the women, poor, children, large sized
family, and landless farmers. Thus, the
vulnerability of climate change is more accelerated by massive expansion of
agricultural land, the increment of landlessness families and huge water
shortage in the study area. Moreover
this study advocating climate change and variability has accelerated the
degradation of natural environment and strongly affects the community’s life
style over time. Though, as stated above this study was conducted using some
and simple research variables to demonstrate the problem. But, it is used as an
initial thought for further and detailed investigations about the issue. Therefore,
stakeholders required to take in hand these challenges both from short and
long-term policy perspective to reduce susceptibility of next generation.