On-farm and off-farm climate change adaptation strategies of households in Afgooye - Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia

Abstract

Climate change adaptation continues to be the most significant strategy in responding to climate change impacts. The aim of this study was to contribute to the improvement of climate change adaptation among local communities in Somalia. The study used semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 213 households which were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and chi-square test of association were used to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that 84% of the households observed extreme weather events in the last 12 months. Occurrence of floods (87%) was the most experienced climate hazard while climate change impacts on households included loss of crops (81%) and damage to properties (76.5%). Crop diversification to include more resilience and weather-adapted crops (67.6%) was the most mentioned on-farm climate change adaptation strategy (67.6%). Chi-square tests showed that certain on-farm climate adaptation strategies were significantly associated with the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the respondents: Better livestock management practices, including diversification of breeds, was mostly mentioned by women than men. Additionally, improving technology was more mentioned by women. The results show men mostly mentioned the use of pesticides. Resilient housing measures were mostly mentioned by respondents aged 36-50. Crop diversification was mostly mentioned by respondents above 50. Education level influenced strategies such as livestock management, while income level was associated with soil and water conservation and food storage and preservation strategies. Irrigation was mostly mentioned by respondents in the age category 18-35. Implementing resilient housing measures such as using climate-resistant materials, elevating structures, and relocating vulnerable properties was mostly mentioned by respondents who had earned between 201-300$ per month. Adopting soil and water conservation management measures was mostly mentioned by respondents who had earned 101-200$. Promoting food storage and preservation was mostly mentioned by respondents who had earned 50-100$. Promoting food storage and preservation was mostly mentioned by respondents with less than 4 members in household size. Improving technology was mostly mentioned by respondents who owned 3-5 acres. Most common off-farm climate change adaptation strategy included selling assets such as livestock (61.5%). Chi-square tests showed that certain off-farm climate adaptation strategies were significantly associated with the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the respondents: Women mostly mentioned participating in petty business and receiving remittances and help from relatives. Education levels influenced strategies such as migration and relocation, taking up wage employment, and receiving remittances. They were mostly mentioned by those with primary-level education or no formal education. Selling assets such as livestock was mostly mentioned by women than men. Prayers were mostly mentioned by respondents in the age category above 50. The Receipt of remittances and help from relatives was mostly mentioned by respondents in the age category above 50 years. Support from others, particularly members of the community, was mostly mentioned by respondents above 50 years. Receipt of remittances and help from relatives was mostly mentioned by respondents who had not attended school. Diversification of income Sources was mostly mentioned by respondents who owned 3-5 acres of land. The study had limitations such as potential biases in self-reported data and limited area covered due to limited resources. These limited the extent to which the findings are generalizable. Raising awareness about climate change risks and improving information dissemination should be prioritized by governments and other stakeholders to enhance households' adaptive capacities. Additionally, income diversification, particularly focusing on off-farm income streams should be prioritized. Strengthening small enterprises and providing training opportunities for women and youth to engage in income-generating activities are crucial steps to reduce vulnerability and enhance adaptation to climate change.