Food security in the face of climate change at kafa biosphere reserve, Ethiopia

Abstract

Diversification of crops is a critical risk management strategy for famers in the south-western part of Ethiopia and may play a vital role in adapting to a changing climate. This study explores opportunities of climate resilient and adaptive crops for farmers’ adaptation for food security at Kafa Biosphere Reserve. In order to understand farmers’ perception of local impacts of climate change and adaptation means through reintroduction and fostering of old and resilient crop varieties, a combination of qualitative and descriptive statistics methods have been used. Focus group discussions, Participatory Rural Appraisal and direct matrix methods were set in relation to the variety of crops grown in the area and other environmental, social and economic factors. A group of climate adaptive or resilient crops were identified by the farmers and favoured as tolerant against the increasingly variable rainfall and temperature. The study reveals that the farmers’ perceptions are in accordance with the trend analysis done on the metrological variables using the Mann-Kendall test as well as the Sen’s slope estimator. Against this background, NABU, a German based NGO, initiated an agricultural adaptation programme for local farmers aiming ultimately for long-term food security.