Impacts of Rainfall Variability on Potato Productivity in Haramaya District, Eastern Hararge Zone, Ethiopia

Shame Ahmed Adem

doi:10.11648/j.jcebe.20210501.13

Abstract

Rainfall variability is one of the most influential climatic factors that determine crop productivity. This study was conducted to analyze rainfall variability and its impact on potato productivity for the period of 2000-2019, and to assess farmer’s perception on impacts of climate variability and evaluate their adaptation measures for potato productivity in Haramaya District. Primary data were obtained from randomly selected farmers through questionnaire, key informants interview and field observation. Secondary data on rainfall and potato production were collected from Ethiopia Meteorological agency and Haramaya District Agriculture Office. Purposive sampling was used to select 362 farmers in the district. Proportionate sampling was used to select the sample of farmers in each of the three kebeles (Tiniqe, Tuji Gabisa and Kuro). The data collected were analyzed using Statistical software SPSS. Annual rainfall and potato yield showed decreasing trend from 2000 to 2019. Annual rainfall trends variability was significant and ranged from -25.25 in 2009 to +48.99 in 2007. Annual Potato yield trends variability was also significant and ranged from -33.14 in 2000 to +60.89 in 2007. Rainfall variations, crop diseases, pests, and high cost of inputs have been the major challenges facing potato production in the study area. Forty three percent (43%) of the respondents agreed that rainfall variation was the main cause of decreased potato yields 24% crop diseases and pests and 15% high cost of inputs 10% inadequate improved seed and 8% soil erosions. From the findings Pearson’s r=0.668 showed that there was significant impact of rainfall variability trend on potato yields. From the findings, the study recommended that soil and water management practices such as mulching, digging of trenches, water harvesting, crop diversification and use of irrigation during the dry spell as adaptation measures should be applied to cope with rainfall variation.

Highlights

The global average temperature has increased by 0.78°C since the beginning of industrial revolution, and future projections indicate that temperature is likely to increase between 1.5°C to 2°C until the end of this century
Show the existing variability of the onset date, end date and LGS at Haramaya District were as on (Figure 2) The up pending curve shows the high variability of onset date of rainfall as compared to the rest rainfall features
The probability that the LGS will be shorter than 121 days is 85% while the probability that it will be longer than 221 days is 30% as shown on (Figure 3)

Summary

Introduction

The global average temperature has increased by 0.78°C since the beginning of industrial revolution, and future projections indicate that temperature is likely to increase between 1.5°C to 2°C until the end of this century. Rainfall in particular is a prominent climatic factor that affects agricultural production through its impact on timing of agricultural operations. “Notwithstanding non-climatic factors, rainfall dictates how land is used and types of crops that are cultivated in a particular area [1]”. Agriculture is backbone of Ethiopia’s economy as it accounts for half of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80% of employment [14] This sector is highly sensitive to climate variability. Show that majority of the respondents 340 (93.9) were between 23-65 years of age while 22 (6.1) were above 65 years This is an indication that the farmers are in their productive years. The findings support the earlier argument that availability of family labor is vital to farm production especially in terms of the amount of land that can be brought under cultivation. From the earlier study, labor alone is not a sufficient factor to potato yield in the district

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion