Evaluation of Agricultural Research Directorates of EIAR for Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation into Research Projects

Abstract

The research is financed by Rockefeller Foundation (RF) Project, EIAR- MARC

Abstract

Agriculture, the mainstay of Ethiopia's economy, is heavily dependent on mother nature and low-input, small-scale and subsistence-oriented agriculture which is under pressure from continued land and forest degradation. Climate change adds another layer of complexity to existing development challenges. Climate change is a constraint to development, and sustainable development is a key to capacities for mitigation and adaptation. Developing countries Ethiopia included, are uniquely vulnerable to and experiencing the effects of climate change. In this respect, agriculture is at the nexus of these challenges that need to be addressed and must undergo a significant transformation to achieve food security and responding to climate change to make sustainable development a reality in Ethiopia. Responsible evaluation and monitoring are mandatory to awaken, refocus and reengage relevant climate change adaptation and mitigation development actors including agricultural research system of the country. Thus, this study was conducted with targeted objectives to evaluate Research Directorates of EIAR for Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation into Research Projects. Case study approach with predefined indicators was employed each part of the project was reviewed and categorized as nonrelated, slightly/indirectly related, related, more related and most related to climate change adaptation and mitigation mainstreaming research project. The study shows that EIAR is assuming a none ‘Climate-proofing’ institution under its stature and contemporary situations-contrary to standard minimal expectations and responsibilities, of all evaluated projects, more than 80% were none or slightly related to climate change adaptation and mitigation mainstreaming: did not consider climate risks or mitigation options into projects.

Keywords: EIAR, Climate change, SLM, adaptation, mitigation, mainstreaming, evaluation