Impact of Climate Change on Water Supply and Food Security in Seraro District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

While the issue of climate change and its potentially devastating impact is generally agreed among researchers and policy-makers worldwide, the level of exposure to the problem varies regionally. Sub-Saharan Africa is considered one region likely to be most affected by the impacts of climate change. However, there is limited evidence indicating the specific magnitude of the impact within and between countries in the region. This study used a quantitative and qualitative research design to collect data on agricultural production, food security, child nutrition and water supply in Seraro district of Oromia region, southern Ethiopia. A total of 418 households participated in the study and detailed discussions were done with the farmers. The result of the study showed that nutritional status of the children is far from the WHO standard and that shortage of drinking water both for household and livestock is one of the most important constraints in the study area.