Page 154 - AJWEP-22-5

Messel, et al.

reflects broader challenges in translating national climate crop varieties, water-efficient irrigation techniques, and
policies into effective local action in many developing water harvesting methods.
countries. The effectiveness of agroecological practices, Diversifying livelihoods is essential to reduce
such as conservation agriculture in the Fogera Plain dependence on climate-sensitive sectors such as rain-
and water-harvesting initiatives, is acknowledged, but fed agriculture and to strengthen the adaptive capacity of
these are often hampered by the identified systemic local communities. This can be achieved by supporting
limitations. the development of alternative income-generating
activities such as sustainable tourism, aquaculture, and
4. Conclusion value-added processing of agricultural products, as well
as by improving access to credit and market information.
A comprehensive analysis of over a century of rainfall In addition, aligning local climate actions with
(1900 – 2023) and temperature (1901 – 2022) data for global mitigation efforts is crucial. This includes active
the Lake Tana sub-basin in Ethiopia revealed significant participation in global climate agreements and initiatives
climatic trends. The study identified notable annual, and the implementation of local actions that contribute
seasonal, and decadal rainfall variations, with a clear to global emission reduction targets. Strengthening
decreasing trend in summer rainfall, which is critical and integrating national frameworks, such as NAPA,
for crop production and poses challenges to agriculture, CRGE strategy, and the Green Legacy Initiative – while
water availability, and environmental stability. addressing local adaptation needs using station-specific
Conversely, November rainfall displayed a significant climate data – can ensure both global and local climate
positive trend. These findings challenge some previous goals are met.
studies and refine others conducted in the Lake Tana
sub-basin. High rainfall variability was observed across Acknowledgments
different agroecological zones, which is higher in Woina-
Dega than in Dega climates and among meteorological None.
stations, such as the Gondar station (CV: 32.6%). The
air temperature analysis indicated a significant overall Funding
upward trend in minimum, maximum, and average air
temperatures. Spatially, Injibara recorded the lowest None.
average air temperature, whereas Woreta recorded Conflict of interest
the highest. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.743;
p<0.01) between global CO emissions and local air The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial
2
temperature trends underscores the influence of global conflicts of interest to disclose.
climate drivers.
Despite existing policies and strategies implemented Author contributions
by the Blue Nile and Lake Tana sub-basin development
office, weak enforcement due to limited funds, poor Conceptualization: Hellen Messel
coordination, data gaps, and community resistance has Data curation: Hellen Messel, Gashaw Bimrew, Abebe
impeded progress in addressing climate change. The Arega, Dawite Bezabh
observed air temperature and rainfall variability could Formal analysis: Hellen Messel
significantly impact agriculture and water resources, Investigation: Hellen Messel
which are vital for local livelihoods. Therefore, there is Methodology: Hellen Messel
a pressing need to invest in and scale up the adoption of Writing – original draft: Hellen Messel
climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance resilience Writing – review & editing: Mehretie Belay, Mintesenote
to changing rainfall patterns and rising air temperatures. Azene
These practices can also contribute to climate change
mitigation by reducing agricultural emissions and Ethics approval and consent to participate
enhancing soil carbon sequestration. Key strategies include
providing training and technical assistance to farmers on The study has been ethically approved by the
conservation agriculture, agroforestry, drought-resistant ethical committee of Department of Geography and

Volume 22 Issue 5 (2025) 148 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025190142