What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to assess the vulnerability of rural smallholders to climate change across different agroecological zones in Southern Ethiopia.

May 7, 2026Open Access

The rural smallholders’ vulnerability to climate change in different agroecological zones in Southern Ethiopia

Key Points

This research aims to assess the vulnerability of rural smallholders to climate change across different agroecological zones in Southern Ethiopia.
Data collected from 363 households using surveys, focus groups, and interviews
Vulnerability assessed using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index and IPCC-based framework
Analysis focused on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity in three agroecological zones: Dega, Woyna Dega, Kolla.
Kolla had the highest vulnerability (LVI-IPCC = 0.126) with high exposure (0.692) and sensitivity (0.719) despite moderate adaptive capacity (0.516)
Dega showed the lowest vulnerability (LVI-IPCC = -0.076) due to lower exposure and moderate adaptive capacity
Major factors of vulnerability included limited water access, low livelihood diversification, and vulnerability to climate hazards like droughts and floods.

Abstract

In many developing nations, rural communities depend on rain-fed agriculture. Ethiopia is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its agriculture-dependent economy. This study examined agroecology-based livelihood vulnerability to climate variability among smallholder farmers in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected from 363 households through surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews, using socio-economic and environmental indicators categorized into exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the IPCC-based LVI-IPCC framework, the research assessed vulnerability in three agroecological zones: Dega (highland), Woyna Dega (midland), and Kolla (lowland). The findings revealed that significant variations in vulnerability among agro ecology in the characteristics, measurement indicators and core components of climate change vulnerability specifically exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Kolla was the most vulnerable (LVI-IPCC = 0.126) due to high exposure (0.692) and sensitivity (0.719), despite relatively better adaptive capacity (0.516). Dega exhibited the lowest vulnerability (LVI-IPCC = − 0.076), attributed to lower exposure and moderate adaptive capacity. Woyna Dega showed intermediate vulnerability. Major factors contributing to vulnerability included limited access to water, low livelihood diversification, and frequent exposure to climate hazards such as recurrent droughts and floods. The findings highlight that vulnerability is spatially variable and influenced by both environmental stressors and household characteristics. The study suggests that targeted, location-specific adaptation strategies by expanding climate information access and empowering local institutions, along with sustainable water use, better farm infrastructure, and inclusive governance, are key to climate-resilient development to minimize the exposure and sensitivity among smallholder farmers.

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