Community perceptions of climate change
at the Kabe Watershed Pilot Project in
Ethiopia, 2011-2013
Yitbarek W/Hawariat (Wollo University) and Derbew
Kefyalew (ILRI)
Workshop on the lessons and success stories from a
pilot project on climate change adaptation
interventions in Kabe watershed, south Wollo,
Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, 11-12 February 2013

Introduction
• Adaptation to climate change refers to
adjustment in natural or human systems in
response to actual or expected climatic stimuli
or their effects, which moderates harm or
exploits beneficial opportunities (IPCC, 2001).
• Perception: Peoples’ point of view toward a
specific issue, which is based on how they
interpret their experiences (Pearson & Ison,
1997).

Objective and Methods
Objective
To understand communities’
perception on climate change
and their adaptation strategies
Methodology
•Field observation
Households survey
• FGD

Result and discussion
Trends of temperature and rainfall as perceived by farmers

Result and…….
Causes, effects, adaptation strategies and barberries of cc

Result and…….
Onset and offset of rain during the main and short rainy season in
different decades
Activities Period Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Belg Before
Onset & offset 1974
of rain
1975-
1988
1989-
Current
Meher Before
Onset & offset 1974
of rain
1975-
1988
1989-
Current
The number of rainy months & its distribution for
both Belg & Meher season decreased

Lessons/recommendations
• Local knowledge on climate change
adaptation is important
• The multitude effects of Climate change in the
area needs an integrated effort and
cooperation at all levels