Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Analysis of farmers’ perception and observed climate variability: implication on potato production in semi-arid areas of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
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Research Articles | Published: 12 August, 2025
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Keywords: Climate variability, Mann-Kendal’s test, Perception, Rainfall, Temperature
Abstract
In Tigray, most of potato-producing areas are vulnerable to climate change. Exploring micro-level evidences is critical to fine tune effective adaptation options to cope with the adverse impact of climate change on potato production. This study was conducted to analyze climate variability and its implications on potato production, as well as to assess the relationship between historical climate data and farmers’ perception of climate variability in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Long-term daily rainfall and temperature data were obtained from metrological stations in potato-producing districts. Additionally, 293 farmer close to the stations were interviewed to investigate farmers’ perception of rainfall trend. Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator statistical trend analysis techniques were used to analyze the annual and seasonal rainfall and temperature. The study revealed a decline in annual rainfall across most stations, accompanied by a rise in both annual and seasonal temperatures. However, the rate of decrease in annual and seasonal rainfall varies across the stations considered. Edagahamus experienced highest decrease (3.73 mm per decade) while the Mekelle recorded lowest rate (0.89 mm per decade) in annual rainfall. Similarly, the maximum annual temperature at Maychew station showed a significant increase of 0.052 °C per year. Moreover, Adigrat and Mekelle stations experienced upward trends in Kiremt maximum temperature, with rates of 0.034 °C and 0.037 °C per year, respectively. Most farmers perceived a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature each year. They also experienced shorter rainy seasons due to delayed onset and early cessation of rainfall, matching climate data. These changes negatively affected potato productivity. To address this, it is recommended to develop drought-tolerant potato varieties and implement suitable agronomic and water management.
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Author Information
Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle, Ethiopia