Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Production and Community Response in Daro Lebu & Mieso District, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region National State, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Rain-fed agriculture, which is the backbone of most Ethiopian economies, is seriously under threat due to climate change. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of climate change on agricultural production in Mieso and Daro Lebu districts of West Hararghe zone. A total of Six (6) kebele, three from each district were used for this purpose. The study used Focus Group Discussion to collect data from group of farmers through miltidispilinary group of researcher organized from Mechara Agricultural Research Center. The result of the study revealed that Daro Lebu district was potential in crop production such as maize, sorghum, teff, finger millet, ground nut, sesame, hair coat bean, sweet potato, hot pepper, mango, banana, coffee and chat while Mieso district was potential in livestock production. The study also indicted that due to climate change induced factors the productivity of agriculture was reduced from time to time. The findings revealed that majority of the communities in the study area response to the effect of climate change through practicing planting drought tolerant and early maturing crop variety, shifting from maize production to sorghum and groundnut production, participating on non-farming activities, adjusting  cropping time ( from April to June), shifting from cattle raring to shoat and camel production, reducing livestock flock, migration to search feed & water and migration to other area and serve as daily laborer. The research finding also recommended that, provision of drought tolerant improved crop variety and animal breed, create awareness on sustainable means of response to adverse effect of climate change and providing training on climate smart agricultural production methods will be used us option to minimize its effect on community livelihood option of the study areas.

Keywords: Agricultural production, response to climate change, climate change, Focus Group discussion, drought tolerant technology.