Development Agents’ perception about the effect of climate risk on livestock production

Abstract

Climate change is driving the call for smart agriculture within the African context. In Ethiopia, at national level policy makers recognized its importance; but it is not clear whether the national feeling is trickled down to the grass root and the effect of climate risk on small holder livestock owners is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess experts’ perception of climate related risks on the livelihoods of small livestock keepers. The results show experts have perceived that climate change has posed risks to small holder farmers and livestock herders. It was evidenced from this study that despite good levels of experts’ awareness about climate change, and high levels of risk perception expressed by experts, climate change adaptation measures are not sufficiently supported at grass roots level. Enhancing awareness about the effects of climate change, its adaptation and mitigation strategies should be cascaded at all level.