Ethiopia, one of the developing countries, is facing serious natural resource degradation problems. The main objective of this study was to examine the farmer’s perceptions and adaptation to climate change through conservation agriculture. The data used for the study were collected from 142 farm households heads drawn from five kebeles. Primary data and secondary data were used. In addition to descriptive statistics, Heckman two stage sample selection model was employed to examine farmer’s perceptions and adaptations of climate change. Farmers level of education, household nonfarm income, livestock ownership, extension on crop and livestock, households’ credit accessibility, perception of increase in temperature and perception of decrease in precipitation significantly affect the adaptation to climate change. Similarly, farmers’ perception of climate change was affected significantly by information on climate, farmer to farmer extension, local agro -ecology, number of relatives in development group and perception of change in duration of season. A binary logit model was employed for farmers’ participation in conservation agriculture shows education level, number of active family labour and main employment of farmers were significant variables in determining participation in conservation agriculture
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
3. Result and Discussion
3.1. Conservation Agriculture as Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change
3.2. Results of the Econometric Model
3.2.1. Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation to Climate Change
3.2.2. Farmers’ Participation in Conservation Agriculture
3.3. Climate Change Adaptation Measures and Causes of Non Adaptation
4. Conclusion
5. References
6. Appendix
Research Objectives and Themes
The main objective of this study is to analyze the perceptions of farm household heads regarding climate change and their subsequent adaptation decisions, specifically through the implementation of conservation agriculture techniques in the Guto Gida and Sasiga districts of Western Ethiopia.
- Farmers' perception and awareness of climate change indicators.
- Econometric evaluation of factors influencing climate change adaptation.
- Adoption and participation rates in conservation agriculture strategies.
- Socio-economic determinants of agricultural technology acceptance.
- Identification of barriers to climate change adaptation and non-adoption causes.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Human beings of current world are faced by the depletion of natural resource (Abera, 2003). Agriculture is among the factors affecting the environment in satisfying human needs, while “climate is the primary determinant of agricultural productivity” (Apata et al., 2009).
Ethiopia, one of the developing countries, is “facing serious natural resource degradation problems” (Anemut, 2006). The diversity in altitude accompanied with climatic and ecological variations which affect production is among the features of the country (Shibru & Kifle, 1998). One of Ethiopia's principal natural resources is its rich endowment of agricultural land. Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy and is given special attention by the government to spearhead the economic transformation of the country. However, land degradation, especially soil erosion, soil nutrient depletion and soil moisture stress, is a major problem confronting Ethiopia. The proximate causes of land degradation include cultivation of steep slopes and erodible soils, low vegetation cover of the soil, burning of dung and crop residues, declining fallow periods, and limited application of organic or inorganic fertilizers.
Climate is a primary determinant of agricultural productivity. The rate and magnitude of change in climate characteristics determines agronomic and economic impacts from climate change (Bruce et al., 2001). Though climate change is a threat to agriculture and non-agricultural socio-economic development, “agricultural production activities are generally more vulnerable to climate change than other sectors” (Ayanwuyi et al., 2010).
Literature on farmers' perceptions about climate change and participation on conservation agriculture in Ethiopia in general and in the Oromia Region in particular are very few.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Discusses the significance of agriculture in Ethiopia, the challenges of natural resource degradation, and the vulnerability of the sector to climate change impacts.
2. Materials and Methods: Outlines the data collection process from 142 farm households and introduces the Heckman two-stage and Binary Logit models used for analysis.
3. Result and Discussion: Presents the statistical findings regarding how farmers perceive climate shifts and the factors affecting their adoption of conservation agriculture practices.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings, emphasizing the importance of social capital, education, and resource availability in determining climate change adaptation and agricultural participation.
5. References: Provides a comprehensive list of academic sources and literature used to support the research findings.
6. Appendix: Contains detailed tables, statistical results, and supplementary data sets utilized during the econometric modeling process.
Keywords
Climate Change, Conservation Agriculture, Heckman Model, Binary Logit, Ethiopia, Adaptation, Household Survey, Soil Erosion, Agricultural Productivity, Socio-economic Factors, Farm Management, Climate Perception, Natural Resource Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research study?
The research focuses on examining how farm household heads in the Guto Gida and Sasiga districts of Ethiopia perceive climate change and the extent to which they adopt conservation agriculture as an adaptation strategy.
What are the core thematic areas addressed in the work?
The study covers climate change perception, the socio-economic determinants of adaptation, barriers to technology adoption, and the role of conservation agriculture in mitigating environmental degradation.
What is the main objective or research question of the paper?
The primary objective is to investigate the drivers of climate change perception and the factors that influence whether a farmer chooses to participate in conservation agriculture practices.
Which scientific methodologies were employed?
The study employs descriptive statistics and two specific econometric models: the Heckman two-stage sample selection model to analyze perception and adaptation, and a binary logit model to evaluate participation in conservation agriculture.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the theoretical background of land degradation in Ethiopia, the survey methodology, an analysis of the collected data including mean difference tests, and the results of the econometric models.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Climate Change, Conservation Agriculture, Heckman Model, Binary Logit, Ethiopia, and Agricultural Adaptation.
How does household education level impact participation in conservation agriculture?
The study finds that higher levels of education are significantly and positively correlated with a farmer's decision to participate in conservation agriculture, as educated farmers are often more aware of environmental issues and better at applying extension advice.
What were the main reasons cited for non-adaptation to climate change?
The research identifies several barriers for households that did not adapt, with the most significant being a shortage of labor, lack of money to implement measures, and a general lack of information regarding alternative agricultural strategies.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Urgessa Tilahun (Autor:in), 2013, Farmers’ Perceptions and Adaptations to Climate Change through Conservation Agriculture, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/277938
