Climate Variability and Household Adaptation Strategies in Southern Ethiopia

This paper examines the determinants and implied economic impacts of climate change adaptation strategies in the context of traditional pastoralism. It is based on econometric analysis of survey data generated from household level interviews in southern Ethiopian rangelands. Pastoralists’ perception of climate change in the region is found to be very consistent with the actually recorded trends of increased temperature and the evident secular declines in precipitation. Not only long-term declines, trends in the region’s rainfall also appear to have taken a shift towards the direction of more unpredictability. Pastoralist adaptation response strategies broadly involve adjustments in pastoral practices and shifts to non-pastoral livelihoods. Results of the estimated models confirm that pastoral mobility is still quite essential in the present context of climate-induced household vulnerabilities. Increased mobility and diversification of pastoral herd portfolios in favor of a drought-tolerant species (camel) are found to be positively associated with pastoral household net income. A policy stance that ignores the detrimental impacts of the currently pervasive private rangeland enclosures or intends to hasten pastoralist sedentarization in the area is simply untenable in the present context of climate-induced risks and pastoral livelihood vulnerability.

• Publication year

  2015

• Venue

  Sustainability

• Publication date

  2015-05-25

• Fields of study

  Economics, Environmental Science

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3390/SU7066353
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

• How much climate change can pastoral livelihoods tolerate? Modelling rangeland use and evaluating risk

  2014cited by this paper
• Does Adaptation to Climate Change Provide Food Security? A Micro-Perspective from Ethiopia

  2011cited by this paper
• Implications of Climate Change for Agricultural Sector Performance in Africa: Policy Challenges and Research Agenda

  2010cited by this paper
• Contested narratives of pastoral vulnerability and risk in Ethiopia ’ s Afar region

  2010cited by this paper
• Pastoralism and climate change Enabling adaptive capacity Synthesis Paper

  2009cited by this paper
• The impacts of climate change on livestock and livestock systems in developing countries: A review of what we know and what we need to know

  2009cited by this paper
• Economic Impact of Climate Change on Crop Production in Ethiopia: Evidence from Cross-section Measures

  2009cited by this paper
• Pastoralists ’ vulnerability in the Horn of Africa Exploring political marginalisation , donors ’ policies and cross-border issues – Literature review

  2009cited by this paper
• PASTORAL DROP OUT STUDY IN SELECTED WEREDAS OF BORANA ZONE OROMIA REGIONAL STATE

  2008cited by this paper
• Herder Perceptions on Impacts of Range Enclosures, Crop Farming, Fire Ban and Bush Encroachment on the Rangelands of Borana, Southern Ethiopia

  2008cited by this paper
• Survival of the Fittest: Pastoralism and climate change in East Africa

  2008cited by this paper
• American Economic Association The Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture : A Ricardian Analysis

  2007cited by this paper
• CHANGE OF WIND or WIND OF CHANGE ? Climate change , adaptation and pastoralism Prepared for the World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism by :

  2007cited by this paper
• CHANGE OF WIND or WIND OF CHANGE

  2007cited by this paper
• Pastoralism – Managing Multiple Stressors and the Threat of Climate Variability and Change

  2007cited by this paper
• Climate change , drought and pastoralism in the Sahel

  2007cited by this paper
• Vulnerable livelihoods in Somali Region, Ethiopia

  2006cited by this paper
• Equity and justice in climate change adaptation amongst natural-resource-dependent societies

  2005cited by this paper
• Climate change and agriculture in Sri Lanka: a Ricardian valuation

  2005cited by this paper
• Stochastic Wealth Dynamics and Risk Management Among a Poor Population

  2004cited by this paper
• Effects of climate change on global food production under SRES emissions and socio-economic scenarios

  2004cited by this paper
• The Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture: A Ricardian Analysis: Reply

  1999cited by this paper
• The Borana Plateau of Southern Ethiopia. Synthesis of Pastoral Research, Development and Change

  1995cited by this paper
• New directions for pastoral development in Africa

  1994cited by this paper
• The Borana pastoral system of Southern Ethiopia

  1987cited by this paper
• Having Herds: Pastoral Herd Growth and Household Economy

  1977cited by this paper
• Department of Economics and Finance Working Paper Series @bullet July 2008 Diversification and Livelihood Sustainability in a Semi-arid Environment: a Case Study from Southern Ethiopia Diversification and Livelihood Sustainability in a Semi-arid Environment: a Case Study from Southern Ethiopia

  year unknowncited by this paper

• Climate change, climate variability and drought: impacts on pastoral livelihoods in Borana zone, Southern Ethiopia

  2026cites this paper
• Are climate change adaptation strategies interrelated? Evidence from Borana pastoral communities, southern Ethiopia

  2025cites this paper
• Pastoralists’ perception towards climate change and meteorological evidences: A case of Teltele District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

  2025cites this paper
• Effects of Drought on Livestock Production, Market Dynamics, and Pastoralists’ Adaptation Strategies in Semi-Arid Ethiopia

  2025cites this paper
• Trends of climate variability and its association with farmers’ perceptions of climate change in Gassera district, southeastern Ethiopia

  2025cites this paper
• Trend analysis of rainfall and temperature extremes in the Ginbora watershed, Northern Ethiopia

  2025cites this paper
• Livelihood status and adaptation strategies of ethnic mountain households: Evidence from Sichuan, China

  2025cites this paper
• Projecting the impact of climate change on precipitation amount distribution and scenario in the Awash River Basin (Ethiopia) through gcm downscaling

  2025cites this paper
• Projections of future surface air temperature for Awash River Basin in Ethiopia using statistical downscaling method

  2025influential citation
• Economic impact of drought among smallholder livestock farmers surrounding Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

  2025cites this paper
• Extreme weather impacts on the socio-economic conditions of rural communities in Ethiopia: practical implications and recommendations for resilience and sustainability

  2025cites this paper
• Effects of Temperature and Precipitation Stress on Livestock Ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa

  2025cites this paper
• Farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change and its determinants: the case of Hulla district, Southern Ethiopia

  2024cites this paper
• Spatio-temporal rainfall variability and trends using a Kriging-interpolation and Innovative trend analysis approach: the case of Wolaita zone, south Ethiopia

  2024cites this paper
• Response of Pastoral Mobility to Grassland Degradation and Farmland Development in Arid Regions of Northern Xinjiang, China

  2024cites this paper
• Analysis of DailyTemperature and Precipitation Climate Extremes in Hamassa Watershed, Southern Ethiopia

  2024cites this paper
• Resilience to drought and climate change disasters and its determinants in the heterogeneous pastoral Ethiopia

  2024cites this paper
• Climate Change Projections in the Upper Awash River Basin of Ethiopia Using Statistical Downscaling Model

  2024cites this paper
• Multi-level factors influencing climate migration willingness among small-scale farmers

  2024cites this paper
• Climate Change in Tigray, Ethiopia: Assessing Impacts on Smallholders’ Risk Perception and Food Security

  2024cites this paper
• Rangeland Degradation and Management Practice in Ethiopia: A Systematic review Paper

  2024cites this paper
• Evaluation of Drought Hazards and Coping Strategies Adopted by pastoral communities in the Cholistan Rangeland of Pakistan

  2024cites this paper
• Perfil de ácidos grasos de arbustos forrajeros en el norte de México

  2024cites this paper
• Livelihood vulnerability of Borana pastoralists to climate change and variability in Southern Ethiopia

  2024cites this paper
• Climate-Smart Agriculture in Ethiopia: Adoption of Multiple Crop Production Practices as a Sustainable Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies

  2023cites this paper
• Land‑use and land‑cover dynamics nexus to local climate variability in Suha watershed, upper Blue Nile basin, Northwest Ethiopia

  2023influential citation
• Exploring east African climate change risk perceptions to inform effective climate services

  2023cites this paper
• Climate-smart agriculture in Ethiopia Adoption of multiple crop production practices as a sustainable adaptation and mitigation strategies

  2023cites this paper
• Rural Farmers’ Perceptions for the Impacts of Climate Change and Adaptation Policies on Wheat Productivity: Insights from a Recent Study in Balochistan, Pakistan

  2023cites this paper
• Impact and adaptation of climate variability and change on small-holders and agriculture in Ethiopia: A review

  2023cites this paper
• Seasonal distribution of livestock in Samburu county, northern Kenya: a response to variable pasture and water in semi-arid rangelands

  2023cites this paper
• Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in the Ethiopian Rift Valley: The Case of Home Garden Agroforestry Systems in the Gedeo Zone

  2023cites this paper
• Women farmers and climate change: Empirical evidence from Burkina Faso

  2023cites this paper
• Modelling Stakeholders’ Knowledge and Perception in a Fuzzy Cognitive Map: The Case of the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) Value Chain in Central Italy

  2023cites this paper
• Rebuilding rural community cooperative institutions and their role in herder adaptation to climate change

  2023cites this paper
• Indigenous knowledge of astronomical star positions and temporal patterns for seasonal weather forecasting: the case of Borana Oromo Pastoralists of Southern Ethiopia

  2023cites this paper
• Spatiotemporal rainfall and temperature variability in Suha watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Northwest Ethiopia

  2022cites this paper
• Review on camel production and marketing status in Ethiopia

  2022cites this paper
• Farmers’ Use of Indigenous Fruit Trees to Cope with Climate Variability in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Uganda

  2022cites this paper
• Indigenous astronomical knowledge based seasonal weather forecast: evidence from Borana Oromo pastoralists of Southern Ethiopia

  2022cites this paper
• Agricultural livelihoods, adaptation, and environmental migration in sub-Saharan drylands: a meta-analytical review

  2022cites this paper
• Climate trend analysis for a semi-arid Borana zone in southern Ethiopia during 1981–2018

  2022cites this paper
• Monitoring Climate Extremes Using Standardized Evapotranspiration Index and Future Projection of Rainfall and Temperature in the Wettest Parts of Southwest Ethiopia

  2022cites this paper
• Analysis of adaptation diversity to climate variability and change among pastoral communities in north-eastern Uganda

  2022cites this paper
• Sedentarization as an adaptation to socio-environmental changes? Everyday herding practices in pastoralist communities in southern Ethiopia

  2022cites this paper
• Assessment of the Effect of Pastoral Mobility On Food Security in Semi-Arid Areas Of Simanjiro and Handeni Districts, Tanzania

  2021cites this paper
• Climate change and variability perceptions and adaptations of pastoralists’ communities in the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania

  2021cites this paper
• Drought responses and adaptation strategies to climate change by pastoralists in the semi-arid area, Laikipia County, Kenya

  2021cites this paper
• Impact of climate change adaptation on food security: evidence from semi-arid lands, Kenya

  2021cites this paper
• Camel and Small Ruminant Based Pastoralism in Ethiopia: Recent Trends and Future Prospects

  2021cites this paper
• Rehearsing indigenous knowledge and culture to adapt strategies to fight against recurrent drought: A Study on Pastoral Community in Harshin District, Somali Region, Ethiopia

  2021cites this paper
• Creole goats in Latin America and the Caribbean: a priceless resource to ensure the well-being of rural communities

  2021cites this paper
• Pastoral household’s perceptions of non pastoral activities in Yabello district, Oromia region, Ethiopia

  2021influential citation
• Quantitative Modeling of Human Responses to Changes in Water Resources Availability: A Review of Methods and Theories

  2021influential citation
• Smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change and adaptation strategy choices in Central Ethiopia

  2021cites this paper
• Effectiveness of water adaptation responses in reducing climate related risks: A meta review

  2021cites this paper
• Changing Climate Scenario in High Altitude Regions: Comparison of Observed Trends and Perceptions of Agro-Pastoralists in Darma Valley, Uttarakhand, India

  2021cites this paper
• Perception and adaptation of pastoralists to climate variability and change in Morocco's arid rangelands

  2021cites this paper
• Variability and time series trend analysis of temperature over 1981-2018 in semi-arid Borana zone, southern Ethiopia

  2021cites this paper
• VULNERABILITY OF PASTORALISTS’ LIVELIHOOD TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION OPTIONS IN DILLO DISTRICT OF BORENA ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA MSc THESIS

  2021influential citation
• Social capital and disaster preparedness in Oromia, Ethiopia: An evaluation of the "Women Empowered" approach.

  2020cites this paper
• Barriers to Climate Change Adaptation Among Pastoralists: Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda

  2020cites this paper
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Adopted for Sustainable Livelihoods by the Pastoral Community in Narok County

  2020cites this paper
• Climate Resilient Indigenous Community Self-Help Practices in Oromo Gadaa System: The Cases of Sikkoo-Mandoo Oromo in Oromia, Ethiopia

  2020cites this paper
• Livestock Breeders’ Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change in Morocco’s Arid Rangelands

  2020cites this paper
• Major Climate Change Adaptation and Coping Strategies in Borana, Southern Ethiopia: A Review

  2020influential citation
• Improved Livestock Breeds and Household Social Capital: The Case of Sahiwal Cattle Adoption among Isiria Maasai of Narok County, Kenya

  2020cites this paper
• Climatic risk adaptation strategies by smallholder livestock farmers in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

  2020cites this paper
• Pastoral farming system and its temporal shift: A case of Borana zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

  2020cites this paper
• The Conquest of Cattle Dominancy Statuesque in Pastoral Area: A Case of Borana Pastoral in Southern Ethiopia, Ethiopia

  2020cites this paper
• No safety net in the face of climate change: The case of pastoralists in Kunene Region, Namibia

  2020cites this paper
• Analysis of livestock breeders’ perceptions and their adaptation measures to climate change in Morocco‘s arid rangelands

  2020influential citation
• Factor Influencing Adaptation Choices Employed by Farmers Against Climate Change to Improve Rice Yield in Bugarama Wetland in Rwanda

  2020cites this paper
• Perceptions and practices of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies among farmers in the Konta Special District, Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• The Synergies and Trade-Offs of Planned Adaptation in Agriculture: a General Equilibrium Analysis for Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• Analyzing the Determinants of Farmer’s Choice of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change

  2019cites this paper
• Drought Adaptation Strategies among Karrayu Pastoralists, Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• Livestock Held Farmers’ Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Case of Selected Zones, Oromia, Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• Determinants of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies: An Application of Protection Motivation Theory in Konta District, South Western Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• Determinants of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation strategies: An Application of Protection Motivation Theory

  2019cites this paper
• Assessment of Vulnerability to Persistent Deprivation: Evidence from a Peripheral Pastoralist Population in Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• The dynamics of pastoral mobility routes in relation to food security in semi-arid areas of Simanjiro and Handeni districts in Tanzania

  2019cites this paper
• Drought preparedness and livestock management strategies by pastoralists in semi-arid lands: Laikipia North, Kenya

  2019cites this paper
• The effect of climate information in pastoralists’ adaptation to climate change

  2019cites this paper
• Pastoral system in the face of climate variability: household adaptation strategies in Borana Rangelands, Southern Ethiopia

  2019influential citation
• The Synergies and Trade-Offs of Planned Adaptation in Agriculture: a General Equilibrium Analysis for Ethiopia

  2019cites this paper
• Incorporating carbon emissions from landfills and wastewater treatment into a household emission inventory for systematically analysing household behaviour

  2019cites this paper
• Impacts of long-term land-use changes on herd size and mobility among pastoral households in Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya

  2018cites this paper
• Environmental change, adaptation strategies and the relevance of migration in Sub-Saharan drylands

  2018cites this paper
• Trends in Extreme Climate Events over Three Agroecological Zones of Southern Ethiopia

  2018cites this paper
• Drought, Land Use Change and Livelihood Diversification among Pastoral Communities in Oltiasika, Kajiado County, Kenya

  2018cites this paper
• Is Land Fragmentation Facilitating or Obstructing Adoption of Climate Adaptation Measures in Ethiopia?

  2018cites this paper
• Livelihood diversification strategies among the Borana pastoral households of Yabello District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

  2018cites this paper
• General equilibrium effects of public adaptation in agriculture in LDCs: Evidence from Ethiopia

  2017cites this paper
• Perception of and Adaptive Capacities to Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Their Effects on Rice Production: A Case of Pabna District, Bangladesh

  2017cites this paper
• Livelihood resilience in the face of recurring floods: an empirical evidence from Northwest Ethiopia

  2017cites this paper
• Understanding Farmers' Perception on Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies in Karetha Watershed, Omo-gibe Basin, Ethiopia

  2016cites this paper
• Rangeland Resource Dynamics And Their Implications For Pastoral Livelihoods In Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya

  2016cites this paper
• Future of Food and Agriculture in the Caribbean in the Context of Climate Change and Globalization: Where Do We Go from Here?

  2016cites this paper
• Introduction to the special issue on the economics of climate change impacts on developing countries: Selected studies on sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia

  2015cites this paper