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As world leaders and experts gather at COP29 to address climate resilience and adaptation, we shine a spotlight on Dr Fenet Belay, a Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) scholar, from Ethiopia. Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit. Dr Belay focuses on the critical struggles faced by smallholder farmers in Southwest and Central Ethiopia. Her work reveals how the extreme Coefficient of Variability (CV) in rainfall in Central Ethiopia severely hinders these farmers’ ability to adapt to climate shifts. Rainfall unpredictability in this region disrupts crop yields and food security, illustrating the urgency of climate solutions that support the world’s most vulnerable agricultural communities. Dr Belay’s findings underscore the pressing need for resilient strategies tailored to smallholder farmers, a theme at the forefront of this year’s COP agenda.

We sat down for an interview with Dr Balay recently:

 Q: In light of COP29’s focus on climate resilience, how do your findings from Southwestern and Central Ethiopia illustrate the specific adaptation challenges faced by smallholder farmers, and what practical, scalable solutions have emerged from your research that could be spotlighted at COP29 to support climate adaptation across similar regions?

A: My findings from Southwestern and Central Ethiopia reveal a nuanced picture of the adaptation challenges smallholder farmers face, and they identify practical, scalable solutions that align well with COP29’s focus on climate resilience. Here’s how my research can inform global discussions on supporting climate adaptation for smallholders in similar regions:

Climate Variability and Water Stress: The data show significant rainfall and temperature variability, with regions like Tututi experiencing pronounced rainfall instability. This variability creates severe water stress, making farming less predictable and threatening food security. Scalable solution: Community-managed water harvesting and small-scale irrigation systems are practical interventions that can be adapted to other water-scarce, rain-dependent regions. Highlighting these systems at COP29 could illustrate how low-cost, localized water management approaches help farmers buffer against climate unpredictability.

Vulnerability Disparities by Agroecology: The finding that lowland farmers have higher vulnerability indexes than those in midland or highland zones underscores the need for tailored adaptation strategies based on agroecological context. Scalable solution: Promoting agroecology-specific adaptation measures—such as drought-resistant crops for lowland zones and soil conservation techniques for highlands—can help optimize resilience efforts across diverse landscapes. This approach could serve as a model at COP29 for customizing adaptation policies based on specific climate and topographical conditions.

Socioeconomic Barriers to Adaptation: Factors such as limited access to agricultural credit, lack of market access, and gaps in climate information significantly affect adaptation choices. These socioeconomic constraints are common among smallholders globally. Scalable solution: Expanding rural credit systems and mobile-based climate information services can bridge these barriers, providing farmers with the resources and knowledge needed to make informed adaptation choices. These scalable solutions could be highlighted at COP29 to showcase how addressing socioeconomic barriers supports resilience at the grassroots level.

High-Impact Adaptation Strategies: My research identifies improved crop varieties, irrigation technology, and crop diversification as highly effective strategies, significantly enhancing food security. Farmers who adopt these practices demonstrate notable caloric improvements, underscoring their effectiveness. Scalable solution: Encouraging the comprehensive adoption of these high-impact practices—through subsidies, extension services, and knowledge-sharing networks—can make adaptation more accessible and impactful. Spotlighting these strategies at COP29 could advocate for policies that encourage diverse, integrated adaptation approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Data-Driven Policy Support: The use of statistical models like the Multivariate Probit and Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression models provides robust evidence for the impact of adaptation on food security. Scalable solution: Promoting data-driven decision-making and incorporating similar analyses into policy design could improve the effectiveness of climate adaptation programs globally. COP29 could benefit from these insights, advocating for policies grounded in rigorous, context-specific research.

My findings highlight practical, evidence-based solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience, making a compelling case for policies that empower smallholder farmers with the tools and resources to adapt sustainably. Presenting these insights at COP29 would support the global agenda for building resilient food systems across vulnerable regions.

This evidence strongly supports advocating for policies that promote comprehensive adaptation strategies rather than isolated interventions, which could be a powerful message for COP29 discussions on food security. By showcasing these findings at COP29, my study not only underscores the adaptive capacity of smallholders in SSA but also provides practical, scalable strategies and policy recommendations that could influence global and regional climate resilience initiatives.

Q: In your view, how can innovations driven by African agribusiness leaders and researchers contribute to more resilient food systems, particularly in the context of Ethiopia’s rapidly changing climate?

A: Innovations driven by African agribusiness leaders and researchers can play a crucial role in creating more resilient food systems in Ethiopia, especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate. First, the development of climate-resilient crop varieties through research can significantly enhance productivity and food security. These varieties can withstand extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases, ensuring stable yields even under stress. Secondly, agribusiness leaders and researchers can foster the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as agro-ecology and regenerative agriculture. By promoting techniques that enhance soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, these practices can improve resilience to climate impacts while also increasing farmers’ profitability.

Innovations such as precision agriculture, mobile apps for market access, and climate-smart farming tools can provide farmers with real-time data and insights. This empowers them to make informed decisions regarding planting times, resource allocation, and risk management. Collaboration between agribusiness, research institutions, and local communities is essential. By engaging farmers in the innovation process and incorporating indigenous knowledge, solutions can be tailored to local contexts, ensuring greater acceptance and effectiveness. Furthermore, enhancing access to financial services, such as microcredit and insurance products, can enable farmers to invest on innovative practices and technologies. Financial services motivate smallholder farmers to adopt new methods and mitigate risks associated with climate variability.

In summary, climate-resilient crops, improved agricultural technology adoption, improved extension services, improved access to financial services significantly contribute to building more resilient food systems in Ethiopia, addressing both current challenges and future climate uncertainties.

Q: What role does climate-smart agriculture play in enhancing the food security and resilience of smallholder farmers, and can you share any success stories from your work that illustrate this?

A: Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) plays a vital role in enhancing food security and resilience among smallholder farmers by promoting practices that improve productivity while adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. CSA focuses on three key objectives: increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing resilience to climate variability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For smallholder farmers, implementing CSA practices such as crop diversification, soil health management, and efficient water use can lead to improved yields and stable food supply. For example, integrating drought-resistant crop varieties can help farmers maintain production levels during periods of low rainfall. Additionally, practices like agroforestry can enhance soil quality and biodiversity, further increasing resilience to climate shocks.

In my research, one success story emerged from a group of farmers in Central Ethiopia who adopted a combination of improved crop varieties, irrigation technologies and crop diversification. By implementing these climate-smart practices, they reported a substantial increase in their yields, even during periods of erratic rainfall. These groups of farmers not only improved their food security but also gained better market access, as they were able to sell surplus produce. Their experiences highlighted how targeted support and training in CSA practices can lead to significant improvements in resilience and economic stability.

Furthermore, community-based initiatives that promote collective action and knowledge sharing among farmers have proven effective resilience and adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers. In one case, a collective action of farmers implemented a crop rotation system using diverse crops, which not only enhanced their resilience to pests and diseases but also increased overall community food security.

Q: When it comes to building resilient food systems, what lessons can other African countries learn from the adaptive strategies of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia?

A: There are several valuable lessons that other African countries can learn from the adaptive strategies of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. First, crop diversification has proven effective in enhancing food security and resilience by mitigating risks associated with climate variability and market fluctuations. The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as improved seed varieties and efficient irrigation, can significantly boost productivity while adapting to changing conditions. Community collaboration, exemplified by cooperative farming and knowledge-sharing initiatives, strengthens ties and facilitates access to resources. Moreover, utilizing mobile technology for disseminating weather forecasts and market information empowers farmers to make informed decisions. Strengthening agricultural extension services is also crucial for educating farmers about new practices, while access to microcredit and crop insurance can enable investments in resilience. Finally, supportive government policies that prioritize research, technology transfer, and farmer education can tailor interventions to local contexts. Therefore, other African countries can enhance their food security and resilience in the face of climate change and other disruptions embracing theses strategies.

Q: How has the support from Rsif contributed to your research, and in what ways can programmes like Rsif be scaled up to foster greater innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector?

A: The support from Rsif has been instrumental in my research on climate change adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Rsif provided essential funding for data collection, access to research facilities, and networking opportunities with other researchers and agricultural experts, enabling comprehensive fieldwork and engagement with local communities. To foster greater innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector, programs like Rsif can be scaled up by increasing funding for research initiatives, establishing collaborative networks between universities, research institutions, and local agricultural organizations, and implementing capacity-building training programmes focused on emerging technologies in agriculture. By enhancing these aspects, Rsif can play a pivotal role in transforming Africa’s agriculture and ensuring smallholder farmers’ food security.

Rsif have been instrumental in facilitating my sandwich placement at Greenwich Institute of Natural Resource, UK. This opportunity has provided me with invaluable exposure and network that have significantly enhanced both my academic development and international experiences.

In conclusion, the support from Rsif has been pivotal in shaping my academic journey and career aspirations. The sandwich placement and research experience at Greenwich Institute of Natural Resources have not only equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge but have also enriched my personal growth and professional network. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to apply what I have learned so far.

During my PhD journey, I had the invaluable opportunity to undertake an internship supported by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), specifically attached to the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project. Overall, this internship not only enriched my academic journey but also equipped me with practical skills and insights crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture. It reinforced my commitment to pursuing research that contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and food security in Africa. I am grateful for these transformative experiences.

Q: What are the key barriers you’ve identified that hinder smallholder farmers from implementing climate-resilient practices, and how can they be overcome through research and policy?

A: There are various factors that significantly influence farmers’ decisions to choose and implement adaptation strategies in the face of changing climatic conditions. Key among these factors is the agricultural extension services, which provide farmers with critical information on best practices and new technologies; those receiving regular support are more likely to make informed decisions that enhance their resilience to climate change. Additionally, the educational level of farmers plays a significant role in their ability to understand and respond to climate-related challenges, with higher education often correlating to improved comprehension of scientific information and technology. The size of a farmer’s land holding also impacts their capacity to implement adaptation strategies, as larger holdings offer more opportunities for diversification and investment in sustainable practices. Timely access to relevant climate information is essential, enabling farmers to anticipate and respond to changing conditions, while access to agricultural credit allows them to invest in necessary resources for adaptation. Furthermore, proximity to markets influences farmers’ ability to sell their products and reinvest in their operations; those closer to markets can more easily access resources and information, facilitating the adoption of adaptation strategies. Overall, understanding these influences is essential for policymakers and agricultural support organizations aiming to enhance the resilience of farming communities against climate change. Addressing these factors such as improving access to agricultural extension services, implementing educational programmes (farmers training), facilitating access to credit, improving market accessibility, and ensuring timely dissemination of climate information can significantly enhance farmers’ resilience and food security.

To overcome these barriers, targeted research can play a vital role in identifying effective and context specific adaptation strategies that are feasible for smallholder farmers. Policy interventions should focus on enhancing access to climate information through the development of localized weather forecasting systems and the establishment of information sharing platforms. Strengthening agricultural extension services by training more extension workers and ensuring they are equipped with up-to-date knowledge on climate resilience can provide essential support to farmers.

Q: Looking ahead, what innovations do you believe hold the greatest potential for building resilient food systems in Africa, and how can African researchers and agribusiness leaders work together to make this a reality?

A: Looking ahead, several innovations hold significant potential for building resilient food systems in Africa. First, climate change adaptation strategies, such as improved crop varieties, irrigation technologies and crop diversification can enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. Second, the development and dissemination of drought-resistant crop varieties can help mitigate the effects of climate variability. Additionally, the use of digital technology, including mobile applications for weather forecasting and market access, can empower farmers with timely information and resources. To make these innovations a reality, collaboration between African researchers and agribusiness leaders is crucial. Researchers can focus on generating evidence-based findings and developing new technologies tailored to local contexts. Agribusiness leaders, on the other hand, can leverage their market knowledge and networks to facilitate the adoption of these innovations. Joint initiatives, such as public-private partnerships, can provide platforms for knowledge exchange and resource mobilization.

Moreover, creating innovation hubs that bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers can foster collaboration and drive local solutions. By aligning research agendas with the needs of the agricultural sector and ensuring that innovations are accessible and scalable, we can build resilient food systems that enhance food security and support sustainable development across Africa.