Managing risk, reducing vulnerability and enhancing agricultural productivity under a changing climate (CCAA) : final technical report (FTR)

Climatic extreme events with varying magnitude, complexity, and economic impacts are a common feature of the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA). Occurrences of these events in most cases are beyond human control. Concurrently, opportunities exist that can reduce adverse effects of such events. Formulating effective and efficient adaptation strategies will integrate the use of risk management practices that aim at better preparedness. Therefore, a research and development project was implemented aiming at effective management of risk and uncertainty associated with climate variability through the development of appropriate strategies that support smallholder farmers in the GHA in reducing risk and capitalizing on opportunities created by variable climatic conditions. The outcomes of the research aimed to reduce vulnerability of the marginalized agriculture due to climate variability and change, as well as enhance inherent adaptability. The project was implemented in four countries, specifically Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania. To achieve the main objective the project had to strengthen capacity of local institutions and key stakeholders, in order to determine the impacts of climate variability and change and, in addition, to develop systems and methodologies that reduce vulnerability due to climate variability and change. During implementation of the project, different methodologies and tools were used. These employed methods included: workshops, short and long term training, interviews, field experiments, climate change scenarios downscaling tools, weather generators, simulation models, databases, and information communication technologies..