Vulnerability of household livelihoods to climate change and variability in semi-arid Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Hailay Tsigab Kahsay (), Tsegay Kahsay Gebrekidan () and Desalegn Berhane Asgedom ()
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Hailay Tsigab Kahsay: Adigrat University
Tsegay Kahsay Gebrekidan: Adigrat University
Desalegn Berhane Asgedom: Adigrat University

SN Business & Economics, 2025, vol. 5, issue 12, 1-27

Abstract: Abstract Climate change and variability pose significant challenges to the livelihoods of rural households in Ethiopia, particularly in semi-arid regions where climatic impacts are unevenly distributed and more sever. However, limited attention has been given to analyze the degree to which households are vulnerability to climate change and variability across the various agro-ecological zones. This study aims to examine the vulnerability of household livelihood to climate change and variability in the semi-arid highlands of Eastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Structured interviews were used to collect quantitative data from 358 rural households supplemented with annual rainfall and temperature spanning 1983 to 2020. The household vulnerability index was calculated by balancing sensitivity and exposure against adaptive capacity, with weights determined through Principal component analysis. The result revealed that households in Hawzen had higher adaptive capacity (1.358) than in Irob (0.791).Moreover, households from Hawzen experienced lower exposure (0.109) compared to households in Irob (0.605). However, both household groups were reported a similar sensitivity (0.374) index. Consequently, Hawzen’s net household vulnerability index (0.875) was higher, indicating lower vulnerability to climate changes than Irob (-0.188). The K- means clustering analysis classified about 26% and 47% households as high and moderate vulnerable, while the remaining 27% were defined as less vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Enhancing adaptive capacity by investing in human capital development through education and training on climate adaptation strategies is encouraged. Furthermore, expanding livelihood opportunities and providing public emergency assistance are essential to mitigate climate change impacts.

Keywords: Vulnerability index; Capital asset; Principal component analysis; Cluster analysis; Climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43546-025-00968-8

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