The Role of Climate Services in Supporting Climate Change Adaptation in Ethiopia

Fetene Teshome Tola, Diriba Korecha Dadi, Tadesse Tujuba Kenea and Tufa Dinku ()
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Fetene Teshome Tola: Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, Addis Ababa 1090, Ethiopia
Diriba Korecha Dadi: Climate Hazards Center, University of California Santa Barbara, Addis Ababa 1165, Ethiopia
Tadesse Tujuba Kenea: Meteorology and Hydrology Faculty, Water Technology Institute, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch 21, Ethiopia
Tufa Dinku: International Research Institute for Climate and Society, Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-32

Abstract: Ethiopia is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in Africa, with agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster risk management highly exposed to climate variability and change. This study examines the role of climate services in supporting climate change adaptation in Ethiopia by combining analyses of historical climate trends, future projections, national policy frameworks, and survey data from both users and providers of climate information. Results show that rainfall and temperature time-series exhibit significant variability, with increasing frequency of droughts and rising temperatures already threatening livelihoods and food security. Climate projections indicate continued warming and uncertain but increasingly extreme rainfall patterns, underscoring the urgency of adaptation. National strategies—including the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP I and II), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP-ETH)—highlight the centrality of climate services in guiding adaptation across sectors. Survey findings reveal that climate services provided by the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) are widely valued, particularly seasonal climate predictions, but challenges persist in accessibility, capacity, infrastructure, and alignment with user needs. Despite high satisfaction levels among users and providers, gaps remain in technical expertise, dissemination mechanisms, and service co-production. Strengthening climate services—through improved technical capacity, institutional coordination, and user-driven design—will be critical for enhancing Ethiopia’s resilience. The lessons drawn are also relevant to other African countries where climate services can play a critical role in bridging the gap between climate science and climate-resilient development.

Keywords: climate vulnerability; climate change; climate services; climate adaptation; climate mitigation; adaptation strategies; climate prediction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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