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Dr Fenet Belay, a recent PhD graduate (2024) of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) program, has conducted pioneering research that addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. Her studies, completed at Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria, focus on how smallholder farmers in Ethiopia’s Jimma and East Shewa Zones are adapting to the rapidly changing climate. This research not only sheds light on the challenges faced by these communities but also provides practical solutions that could enhance food security and resilience in the face of climate change.

In sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers are increasingly vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, including unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. These changes have profound implications for food production, often leading to reduced crop yields and heightened food insecurity. Dr Fenet’s research delves deep into these issues, aiming to understand the specific impacts of climate variability on agriculture and to identify effective strategies that farmers can use to adapt.

Her study analysed three decades of annual rainfall and temperature data, from 1990 to 2019, to detect patterns and variability. By applying advanced statistical methods, Dr Fenet was able to pinpoint the most effective agricultural adaptation strategies that could help farmers mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Her research identified three key strategies: the adoption of improved crop varieties, the use of irrigation technology, and crop diversification.

The impact of these strategies on food security is profound. Dr Fenet’s findings suggest that households adopting these approaches could see significant improvements in their daily caloric intake, which is a direct measure of food security. For instance, her research shows that if smallholder farmers were to fully adopt these strategies, the food security of their households would dramatically increase, even in the face of ongoing climate challenges. This is particularly important in regions like Jimma and East Shewa, where communities are heavily dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Beyond the immediate benefits to food security, Dr Fenet’s research has broader implications for climate change resilience across Africa. By demonstrating the effectiveness of specific adaptation strategies, her work provides a roadmap for other regions facing similar challenges. Policymakers can use these insights to design targeted interventions that support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change. This could involve increasing access to education, providing more climate information, improving agricultural credit facilities, and enhancing market access—all of which are crucial for building resilience in the agricultural sector.

In her own community, the impact of Dr Fenet’s research is already beginning to be felt. By working closely with local farmers and engaging in extensive fieldwork, she has been able to translate her findings into actionable recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs of the communities she studied. This approach ensures that her research is not just theoretical but has practical, on-the-ground applications that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Dr Fenet Belay’s work is a powerful example of how research, supported by programs like Rsif, can contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa today. As climate change continues to pose significant threats to agriculture and food security across the continent, her research offers hope and practical solutions that can help communities not only survive but thrive in a changing world.