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THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOOD OF SMALL HOLDER FARMERS INCASE LIBO KEMKEM DISTRICT, SOUTH GONDER ZONES, ETHIOPIA [Abstract ID: 0605-01]
Smallholder farmers are the backbone of the economy of Ethiopia particularly the agriculture sector. Agriculture is the major source of rural livelihoods. The impacts of climate changes usually lead to increased poverty and adversely effect agricultural production, food security, livelihoods and sustainable development. The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of climate change on agriculture and livelihood of smallholder farmers. The study was conducted in Libo District during the 2016/17. Primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, field observation, interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews. Secondary data was collected from various meteorological data analyses reports. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 120 sample households selected three qebeles based on AEZ. Data was analyzed by using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. There is an empirical evidence which shows that the annual and maximum average annual rainfall is decreasing at the rate of 21.21 and 7.499 mm per year respectively the last two decade. The rainfall is decreasing trend the linear equation (Y= 21.21 X-41)(Y=7.49x-14) with R2=0.64,R2=0.68 at 5% level of significance respectively. The annual temperature and average annual temperature increase rate 1.536 oc and 0.128 oc per year respectively last two decades. Temperature trend (Y=1.536x-26) (Y=0.128X-220.4) R2=0.01 respectively. The result shows that the trend of gradual and extreme weather change is particularly negative for the livelihoods of the farmers. The result confirms that impacts of climate change, floods, heavy rains, intensity of heat waves, drought, storm and land slides 30%,18%,26%,11%,5%,7.5% respectively. The result showed that most frequently weather hazards and damage is reported and resulting agricultural crop loss and insects and diseases occurrences that affect livelihoods of smallholder farmer. Studies show that capacity building, creating awareness among farmers, training and access to information are very important to reduce the impact of climate change. The study recommends that the government to develop more effective climate change strategies that support smallholder farmer to reduced impact of climate change.