Paper short abstract:

This study contributes to the understanding of successful adaptation/resilience practices against climatic variability/change and its determinants in Ethiopia. The application of indigenous knowledge encouraged communities to adjust their livelihood strategies and resilience/adaptation mechanisms.

Paper long abstract:

This study ascertains the knowledge factors contributing to the successful adaptation/resilience against climatic variability/change and its determinants in Northern Ethiopia. We use empirical field studies involving quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the characteristics of the resilience of two indigenous rural communities (Kebeles), Abreha we-Atsbeha and Debretsion, in Kilite Awelao District of Ethiopia’s Tigray Region. The different levels of resilience were analyzed using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) and the Resilience Analysis Framework (RAF). Analysis of the severity of drought and adaptation strategies shows significant variation between the two communities. Logistic regression was run to test the adaptation strategies/knowledge and revealed that successful adaptation in Abreha we-Atsbeha unlike Debretsion, is significantly attributable to growing indigenous drought-resistant crop varieties, cash crops, perennial crops, environmental rehabilitation, and indigenous cash savings schemes. Surprisingly, the use/reliance on indigenous water harvesting is negatively associated with the likelihood of being successful in adaptation to drought. Variations in the trend of improvement of physical capital are not significant, while there are declining trends in social indigenous capital in both kebeles. Indigenous knowledge of natural and institutional forms of capital was more likely to increase resilience/adaptation. Key drivers of resilience and climate adaptation in Abreha we-Atsbeha include the attitude of the community members and strong kebele indigenous leadership when compared to Debretsion. We conclude that empowering the community to employ indigenous knowledge to determine priorities encouraged them to adjust their livelihood strategies and resilience mechanisms and to allow the scaling up of resilience/adaptation across Ethiopia.