Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation in Rural Community of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Climate change is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level (IPCC, 2001). Therefore this study, aimed to explain impacts and adaptation mechanisms to climate change in the State of Benshangul Gumuz Region. In order to have relevant information for the study field survey, structured interview and focus group discussion were employed. 371 household heads were purposely involved in the survey from different climate zones. Encouraging level of awareness was observed among the rural communities on the impacts of climate change and the mitigation and adaptation strategies. The study also revealed climate change had lead to gradual deterioration of agricultural production, loss in livestock productivity and crop cultivation as a result which, the requirement for fertilizers was increased on a plot of land. Shortages of water, spread of water and vector-borne diseases after the rainfall, extinct of cultural crops, drought and famines, shortage of pasture, incidence of both plants and animal diseases seasonal migration of people had increased. High level of awareness was observed in the application of different mitigation and adaptation strategies. These strategies were mainly indigenous to the region and the local community.

Keywords: Climate change, Impact, Adaptation Mechanisms