African Regional Economics (Economics/Geography crossover) | 13 April 2003
Climate Shocks and Supply Chain Resilience in Ethiopian Agriculture: A Comparative Study
A, l, e, m, a, y, e, h, u, G, e, b, r, e, a, b
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly affecting agricultural productivity in Ethiopia, a country heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture. The Ethiopian government and international organizations have implemented various interventions to enhance resilience but there has been limited comparative analysis of their effectiveness. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative case studies. Data were collected from government records, agricultural extension services, and interviews with farmers and policymakers. A notable finding is the significant reduction in crop yields attributed to drought conditions in southwestern Ethiopia compared to regions with more consistent rainfall patterns. The study highlights disparities in resilience across different agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. Policy interventions need to be region-specific and contextually tailored to maximise their effectiveness. Regionalized policy support should be emphasised, incorporating adaptive agricultural practices such as drought-resistant crop varieties and improved irrigation systems for southwestern regions.