DETERMINANT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AMONG SMALLHOLDER CROP PRODUCERS IN THE CASE OF ILLIBABUR ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Climate variability and increasing climate-related shocks threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, where agriculture is highly dependent on climatic conditions. This study examines the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder crop producers in the Illubabor Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, using a systemic perspective that considers the interaction of institutional, socioeconomic, informational, and social factors. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Econometric analysis was used to identify significant determinants of adaptation, while qualitative evidence provided contextual interpretation and validation. The results indicate that extension contact, access to credit, climate information, training participation, farmer-to-farmer interaction, income, landholding size, and livestock ownership significantly influence adaptation decisions. The findings further demonstrate that these factors reinforce one another, with adaptation becoming more effective when multiple enabling conditions exist simultaneously rather than in isolation. The study concludes that fragmented interventions are insufficient for building long-term adaptive capacity and recommends integrated policies that strengthen extension services, rural finance, climate information systems, farmer training, and knowledge-sharing networks. By advancing a threshold-based and context-specific framework, the research contributes both theoretical and practical insights for enhancing climate resilience among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and similar developing-country contexts.