The findings from an agricultural survey is addressed in this study. This report focuses mainly on explaining the farmer’s sensitivity to the changing climate and the way they perceive the notable changes in rainfall and temperature conditions and its impacts on crop production. The role of the current adaptation mechanisms and constraints were evaluated across different agro-climatic zones in Ziway-Shala basins of the MER. The surface and groundwater quality, furthermore, were assessed for their suitability for agricultural irrigation use in the basins which may further constrain the sector in the changing climate. Understanding these components would enhance policy measures directed toward tackling the challenges and thus will likely be of great importance for sustainable development of the agricultural sector under future climate and environmental changes. The study area comprises two large basins; the Ziway-Shala and Abaya-Chamo basins, and a small catchment (Awasa) located in the central sector of the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) valley. The MER is characterized by a chain of lakes (Ziway-Langano-Abijata-Shala-Awasa-AbayaChamo) that lie at an average altitude of 1600 m above sea level (m.a.s.l). These lakes receive surface inflow from rivers and springs that drain western and eastern highlands (elevation above 2500 m.a.s.l. on average) bordering the MER. (Supported by CDKN)
