Abstract:
The overall objective of this study was assessing the indigenous practices for climate change
adaptation by smallholder farmers in Menz Gera Woreda. The study also compared scientific
meteorological data with public perceptions. The study followed a mixed methods approach
involving both quantitative and quantitative data gathering tools. The quantitative data were
obtained through survey questionnaires and the qualitative data were gathered through FGDs,
observations and key informants interviews. Using simple random sampling techniques, two
kebeles from Wurch and three Kebeles from Dega agro ecologies were taken for the study. The
data from the household survey were analyzed by means of both descriptive and inferential
statistical methods including percentages, frequencies, ANOVA and multiple linear regression
techniques. The study argues that smallholder farmers in the study area have held perceptions of
climate change and variability which is consistent with the scientific information. Being aware of
the changing climate and their experiences farmers in the study area are using their prior
indigenous knowledge and practices to adapt to the climate change challenge and cope up with
climate variability. However, indigenous practices are not equally practiced by all smallholder
farmers of the study area. Many factors affect the practices the most important of which is
farmers experience as an independent decision maker. Those with longer experiences use
indigenous practices more than those with fewer years of experience.
