The Effect of Climate Change and Variability on the Livelihoods of Local Communities: In the Case of Central Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia

Mikias Biazen

Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Shashemene, Ethiopia.

DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1100453                

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.

Keywords

Climate Change, Variability, Vulnerability, Livelihood, Impact, Community

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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