Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia and its effects on agriculture and livestock production. By examining these climate variables in relation to global sea surface temperatures (SST) and atmospheric pressure...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Emerald Publishing
2024-10-01
|
| Series: | International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCCSM-08-2024-0133/full/pdf |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1832542454047309824 |
|---|---|
| author | Sintayehu Alemayehu Daniel Olago Opere Alfred Tadesse Terefe Zeleke Sintayehu W. Dejene |
| author_facet | Sintayehu Alemayehu Daniel Olago Opere Alfred Tadesse Terefe Zeleke Sintayehu W. Dejene |
| author_sort | Sintayehu Alemayehu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia and its effects on agriculture and livestock production. By examining these climate variables in relation to global sea surface temperatures (SST) and atmospheric pressure systems, the study seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms driving local climate variability. Furthermore, it assesses how these climate variations impact crop yields, particularly wheat and livestock production, providing valuable insights for developing effective adaptation strategies and policies to enhance food security and economic stability in the region. Design/methodology/approach – The design and methodology of this study involve a multifaceted approach to analyzing seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia. The research uses advanced statistical techniques, including rotated empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and rotated principal component analysis (RPCA), to identify and quantify significant patterns in seasonal rainfall, temperature and drought indices over the period from 1981 to 2022. These methods are used to reveal the spatiotemporal variations and trends in climate variables. To understand the causal mechanisms behind these variations, the study correlates seasonal rainfall data with global SST and examines atmospheric pressure systems and wind vectors. In addition, the impact of climate variability on agricultural and livestock production is assessed by linking observed climate patterns with changes in crop yields, particularly wheat and livestock productivity. This comprehensive approach integrates statistical analysis with environmental and agricultural data to provide a detailed understanding of climate dynamics and their practical implications. Findings – The findings of this study reveal significant seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia, characterized by notable patterns and trends in rainfall, temperature and drought indices from 1981 to 2022. The analysis identified that over 84% of the annual rainfall occurs during the March to May (MAM) and September to November (SON) seasons, with MAM contributing approximately 53% and SON over 31%, highlighting these as the primary rainfall periods. Significant spatiotemporal variations were observed, with northwestern (35.4%), southern (34.9%) and northeastern (19.3%) are dominant variability parts of the zone during MAM season, similarly southeastern (48.7%), and northcentral (37.8%) are dominant variability parts of the zone during SON season. Trends indicating that certain subregions experience more pronounced changes in climate variables in both seasons. Correlation with global SST and an examination of atmospheric pressure systems elucidated the mechanisms driving these variations, with significant correlation with the southern and central part of Indian Ocean. This study also found that fluctuations in climate variables significantly impact crop production, particularly wheat and livestock productivity in the region, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate adverse effects on agriculture and food security. Research limitations/implications – The implications of this study highlight the need for robust adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate variability. Detailed research on seasonal climate patterns and the specific behaviors of livestock and crops is essential. Gaining a thorough understanding of these dynamics is critical for developing resilient adaptation strategies tailored to the unique ecological and economic context of the Borana zone. Future research should focus on seasonal climate variations and their implications to guide sustainable development and livelihood adjustments in the region. Originality/value – This study offers significant originality and value by providing a detailed analysis of seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia, using advanced statistical techniques such as rotated EOF and RPCA. By integrating these methods with global SST data and atmospheric pressure systems, the research delivers a nuanced understanding of how global climatic factors influence local weather patterns. The study’s novel approach not only identifies key trends and patterns in climate variables over an extensive historical period but also links these findings to practical outcomes in crop and livestock production. This connection is crucial for developing targeted adaptation strategies and policies, thereby offering actionable insights for enhancing agricultural practices and food security in the region. The originality of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis and practical relevance, making it a valuable contribution to both climate science and regional agricultural planning. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-81fb1908785847c2bebc6373b93eaf0f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1756-8692 1756-8706 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-10-01 |
| publisher | Emerald Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management |
| spelling | doaj-art-81fb1908785847c2bebc6373b93eaf0f2025-02-04T04:57:17ZengEmerald PublishingInternational Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management1756-86921756-87062024-10-0117126829010.1108/IJCCSM-08-2024-0133Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategiesSintayehu Alemayehu0Daniel Olago1Opere Alfred2Tadesse Terefe Zeleke3Sintayehu W. Dejene4Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; The International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Nairobi, KenyaDepartment of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, KenyaDepartment of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, KenyaInstitute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and The International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaInstitute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and The International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaPurpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia and its effects on agriculture and livestock production. By examining these climate variables in relation to global sea surface temperatures (SST) and atmospheric pressure systems, the study seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms driving local climate variability. Furthermore, it assesses how these climate variations impact crop yields, particularly wheat and livestock production, providing valuable insights for developing effective adaptation strategies and policies to enhance food security and economic stability in the region. Design/methodology/approach – The design and methodology of this study involve a multifaceted approach to analyzing seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia. The research uses advanced statistical techniques, including rotated empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and rotated principal component analysis (RPCA), to identify and quantify significant patterns in seasonal rainfall, temperature and drought indices over the period from 1981 to 2022. These methods are used to reveal the spatiotemporal variations and trends in climate variables. To understand the causal mechanisms behind these variations, the study correlates seasonal rainfall data with global SST and examines atmospheric pressure systems and wind vectors. In addition, the impact of climate variability on agricultural and livestock production is assessed by linking observed climate patterns with changes in crop yields, particularly wheat and livestock productivity. This comprehensive approach integrates statistical analysis with environmental and agricultural data to provide a detailed understanding of climate dynamics and their practical implications. Findings – The findings of this study reveal significant seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia, characterized by notable patterns and trends in rainfall, temperature and drought indices from 1981 to 2022. The analysis identified that over 84% of the annual rainfall occurs during the March to May (MAM) and September to November (SON) seasons, with MAM contributing approximately 53% and SON over 31%, highlighting these as the primary rainfall periods. Significant spatiotemporal variations were observed, with northwestern (35.4%), southern (34.9%) and northeastern (19.3%) are dominant variability parts of the zone during MAM season, similarly southeastern (48.7%), and northcentral (37.8%) are dominant variability parts of the zone during SON season. Trends indicating that certain subregions experience more pronounced changes in climate variables in both seasons. Correlation with global SST and an examination of atmospheric pressure systems elucidated the mechanisms driving these variations, with significant correlation with the southern and central part of Indian Ocean. This study also found that fluctuations in climate variables significantly impact crop production, particularly wheat and livestock productivity in the region, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate adverse effects on agriculture and food security. Research limitations/implications – The implications of this study highlight the need for robust adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate variability. Detailed research on seasonal climate patterns and the specific behaviors of livestock and crops is essential. Gaining a thorough understanding of these dynamics is critical for developing resilient adaptation strategies tailored to the unique ecological and economic context of the Borana zone. Future research should focus on seasonal climate variations and their implications to guide sustainable development and livelihood adjustments in the region. Originality/value – This study offers significant originality and value by providing a detailed analysis of seasonal spatiotemporal climate variability in the Borena zone of Ethiopia, using advanced statistical techniques such as rotated EOF and RPCA. By integrating these methods with global SST data and atmospheric pressure systems, the research delivers a nuanced understanding of how global climatic factors influence local weather patterns. The study’s novel approach not only identifies key trends and patterns in climate variables over an extensive historical period but also links these findings to practical outcomes in crop and livestock production. This connection is crucial for developing targeted adaptation strategies and policies, thereby offering actionable insights for enhancing agricultural practices and food security in the region. The originality of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis and practical relevance, making it a valuable contribution to both climate science and regional agricultural planning.https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCCSM-08-2024-0133/full/pdfDroughtRainfallTemperaturePastoralAgropastoralClimate variability |
| spellingShingle | Sintayehu Alemayehu Daniel Olago Opere Alfred Tadesse Terefe Zeleke Sintayehu W. Dejene Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management Drought Rainfall Temperature Pastoral Agropastoral Climate variability |
| title | Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies |
| title_full | Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies |
| title_fullStr | Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies |
| title_short | Spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop-livestock production system: its implications for developing adaptation strategies |
| title_sort | spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall and temperature variability and trends for a mixed crop livestock production system its implications for developing adaptation strategies |
| topic | Drought Rainfall Temperature Pastoral Agropastoral Climate variability |
| url | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJCCSM-08-2024-0133/full/pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT sintayehualemayehu spatiotemporalanalysisofrainfallandtemperaturevariabilityandtrendsforamixedcroplivestockproductionsystemitsimplicationsfordevelopingadaptationstrategies AT danielolago spatiotemporalanalysisofrainfallandtemperaturevariabilityandtrendsforamixedcroplivestockproductionsystemitsimplicationsfordevelopingadaptationstrategies AT operealfred spatiotemporalanalysisofrainfallandtemperaturevariabilityandtrendsforamixedcroplivestockproductionsystemitsimplicationsfordevelopingadaptationstrategies AT tadesseterefezeleke spatiotemporalanalysisofrainfallandtemperaturevariabilityandtrendsforamixedcroplivestockproductionsystemitsimplicationsfordevelopingadaptationstrategies AT sintayehuwdejene spatiotemporalanalysisofrainfallandtemperaturevariabilityandtrendsforamixedcroplivestockproductionsystemitsimplicationsfordevelopingadaptationstrategies |