Farmers' Perception of Climate Change and their Adaptation Strategies in the Sagana-Gura Sub-watershed in the Upper Tana Catchment Area

Successful implementation of conservation programs in the Upper Tana Catchment Area (UTCA) can only be achieved through sustainable resource management and use. Thus, understanding farmers' perceptions of climate change is vital for promoting conservation programs. This study sought to understand farmers' perceptions of climate change and their adaptation strategies by comparing meteorological data with farmers' perceptions in the Sagana-Gura sub-watershed. A mixed method research design was used. This involved rainfall data from nine rain gauge stations and primary data on farmers' perceptions of climate change. Farmers’ coping strategies were also examined. The primary data was collected through a survey based on a stratified sample of 284 heads of farm households upstream and downstream of the sub-watershed. A standardized precipitation index (SPI) was developed to examine the temporal variation in precipitation. The study found that eight extremely dry months were recorded between 1980 and 2012, with five of these months occurring between 1999 and 2012. This result supports farmers' perception that precipitation has not only decreased but has also become erratic and unpredictable. As a result, farmers are increasingly resorting to irrigation and diversification of their economic activities by engaging in enterprises that also contribute to soil erosion and forest destruction.