African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability

Forest Ecosystems and Climate Change in Ethiopia: Challenges and Adaptive Solutions: Review Article

2025-07-11T12:44:48+02:00

The review article, "Forest Ecosystems and Climate Change in Ethiopia: Challenges and Adaptive Solutions," explores the critical interrelations between Ethiopia's forest ecosystems and climate change. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of adaptive strategies, particularly community-based forest management and agroforestry, within climate resilience. A systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing 69 studies published since 2020, to evaluate the multifaceted impacts of climate change on forest health, deforestation drivers, and existing policy frameworks. The results reveal that Ethiopia's forests face severe threats from climate change, including shifts in biodiversity and an increase in deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and illegal logging. Despite initiatives like the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and the Green Legacy Initiative, challenges persist, including inadequate policy enforcement, land tenure issues, and socio-economic pressures that hinder effective conservation. The conclusion emphasises the necessity for integrated, community-focused strategies and enhanced policy coherence to address these barriers. The findings suggest that strengthening local governance, securing land rights, and exploring alternative livelihood options are essential for sustainable forest management in Ethiopia. Overall, this review provides insights that are vital for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to bolster forest resilience and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Assessment of the Causes and Effects of Deforestation in Lakes State of South Sudan

2025-07-16T19:39:03+02:00

Deforestation is a serious global challenge which adversely affects the environment, human well-being and climate stability, especially in fragile ecosystems and threatens environmental resilience worldwide. Trees are important for the provision of forest products such as food and medicines and the regulation of temperatures, as well as preventing soil erosion and water loss in Lakes State. The objective of this study is to assess the causes and effects of deforestation in Lakes State of South Sudan, as well as the effectiveness of existing laws and policies in the governance of forest resources. This study employed a descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used to select 80 key informants who included forest officers, local farmers and community leaders. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings from the study reveal that the main causes of deforestation include cutting down trees for economic activities such as logging, expansion of subsistence agriculture, demand for fuel wood, urban expansion and recurrent wildfires. The effects include declining agricultural productivity, biodiversity loss, such as teak and mahogany, increased soil erosion and increased vulnerability of the community to the impacts of climate change. Even though there is the existence of forest laws and policies, their enforcement is weak due to inadequate public awareness and institutional capacity. Deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate and, if unaddressed, will adversely affect the environment and livelihoods. The study recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders implement alternative energy programs and stringent enforcement of forest conservation laws and policies. Promotion of the use of alternative energy, such as hydroelectric, solar and wind energy, could reduce reliance on wood-based energy sources, thus mitigating the effects of deforestation and climate change in Lakes State.

People’s Perception of Climate change, climate variability, and Coping Strategies in South Sudan: The Case of Sudd Wetland

2025-07-16T19:39:04+02:00

In this study, coping mechanisms and instrumental records were used to examine people's perceptions of climate change and variability. Data from 387 individuals were gathered by questionnaire. Furthermore, six focus group discussions were organised. Gridded data on temperature and precipitation were gathered from four stations between 1979 and 2014. The metrological parameters, including temperature and Sun heat periods, were measured and compared with the perception of the residents during the settlement in the 1920s. The perception result showed that both the minimum and the maximum temperatures were changing and rising. .99.5% of respondents reported an increase in solar heat and variability in the onset and cessation of rains, while 51% of respondents said the climate was unpleasant. As a result, we accept the alternative hypothesis, H0 = 0, which states that the residents of the research area were aware of climate variability and change, and reject the null hypothesis, H0 = 0. The Standard Precipitation Index showed that there were more dry spells than wet ones. The results of the Chi-square test showed a strong correlation between coping mechanisms and perceptions of variability and climate change. According to the study's findings, humans have primary and supplementary coping mechanisms for dealing with climate fluctuation and change. In addition to planned adaptation based on current local coping techniques, the study advises policymakers and development partners to establish climate-smart Agriculture solutions that are suitable at the Payam level.

Determinants of Variations in Drought Vulnerability among Cattle Keeping Households in Migori County

2025-07-24T19:31:04+02:00

Cattle keeping plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and fulfilling socio-cultural functions in both developed and developing regions. However, most cattle in these regions are often raised under extensive production systems, making them highly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. Among the most pressing challenges facing cattle production in sub-tropical regions is drought, which leads to severe water scarcity and depletion of grazing resources, resulting in reduced cattle productivity, increased susceptibility to diseases and, in extreme cases, high mortality rates. This study examined variations in drought vulnerability among cattle-keeping households in Migori County. In semi-arid areas of Migori County, cattle keeping plays vital economic and socio-cultural roles but is increasingly affected by drought-related challenges such as water scarcity, pasture depletion, and livestock diseases. The study was conducted in Nyatike and Kuria West Sub-Counties of Migori County, selected for their diverse agro-ecological zones affecting livestock farming. Data were collected through structured household questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct observation, with a stratified sample of 383 households proportionately drawn from four wards. The study found that decreased pasture (χ² = 249.335, p = 0.000), reduced milk yield (χ² = 211.607, p = 0.000), and water-related stressors such as declining water points (χ² = 188.864, p = 0.000) and increased distance to water (χ² = 97.545, p = 0.000) were the most significant factors influencing drought severity among cattle-keeping households. Emaciation of livestock and increased incidences of cattle diseases also showed significant associations, though perceptions varied. Low cattle prices were significant but unevenly experienced. These findings underscore the importance of ecological factors over economic ones in shaping household drought vulnerability. Households with limited income sources and heavy dependence on cattle were more susceptible to drought effects, while those engaging in diverse livelihood activities showed greater resilience. Environmental stressors and inadequate access to resources further exacerbated vulnerability. The study underscores the importance of integrated interventions such as water infrastructure development, improved veterinary services, and livelihood diversification to enhance household resilience

The Readiness of Coffee Stakeholders to Comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulations in Kyarumba Sub-County, Kasese District, Uganda

2025-07-24T19:31:04+02:00

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) introduces new sustainability requirements that affect Uganda’s agricultural and forestry exports. This study investigates the level of readiness among key stakeholders in Kyarumba Sub-County, Kasese District, to comply with the EUDR. Through interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, the study finds that while there is growing awareness of environmental compliance, most local stakeholders lack the technical, financial, and institutional capacity to meet EUDR requirements. Recommendations are made for targeted capacity building, government support, and inclusive policy design to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the global shift toward deforestation-free value chains

Combined Effects of Climate Variability, Socioeconomic Factors, and Indigenous Agroforestry on Agricultural Productivity and Livelihood Resilience in Wayu Tuka and Guto Gida Woredas, Ethiopia

2025-08-05T21:17:19+02:00

This study explores the combined impacts of climate variability, socioeconomic factors, and indigenous agroforestry practices on agricultural productivity and livelihood resilience among 400 smallholder farmers in Wayu Tuka and Guto Gida Woredas, Oromia, Ethiopia. Climate variability, marked by a 10–20% decline in rainfall and a 1.85°C temperature increase over the period from 1955 to 2023, poses significant challenges to rain-fed agricultural systems, leading to reduced crop yields, degraded soil fertility, and diminished water retention capacity. These changes threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who depend on crops such as maize, teff, and sorghum, as well as livestock rearing, for their sustenance and income. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, utilising household surveys, climate data spanning 1998 to 2022, and key informant interviews to assess how these factors interact. Analytical tools, including multiple linear regression, random forest regression, and ANCOVA, were applied using R software with packages such as stats, randomForest, ggplot2, and corrplot to model relationships between variables. Findings reveal that socioeconomic factors, particularly education and larger family sizes, significantly enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity, enabling better adoption of resilience strategies. However, gender disparities limit women’s engagement in agroforestry, with male farmers showing higher adoption rates due to greater access to land and resources. Indigenous agroforestry systems, incorporating tree species like Eucalyptus globulus, Faidherbia albida, and Acacia decurrens, contribute substantially to household income, accounting for 34.35% through timber, fodder, and ecosystem services such as soil fertility enhancement and water retention. Agroforestry ranks as the third most effective adaptation strategy, following new crop varieties and livestock diversification, as evidenced by correlation matrices and income diversification charts. These systems stabilise agricultural productivity during climate shocks, particularly droughts, which affect 78.8% of farmers. The study emphasises the need for gender-inclusive policies to address disparities in agroforestry adoption, alongside increased investment in education to bolster adaptive capacity. Recommendations include scaling up agroforestry extension services, particularly for nitrogen-fixing species, and aligning interventions with Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy strategy to promote sustainable livelihoods. By integrating climate-smart agroforestry with socioeconomic empowerment, this research highlights pathways to enhance resilience in climate-vulnerable rural communities, contributing to sustainable development goals related to food security, climate action, and ecosystem restoration.