Water Quality Threats, Perceptions of Climate Change and Behavioral Responses among Farmers in the Ethiopian Rift Valley

This work aims to assess water quality for irrigated agriculture, alongside perceptions and adaptations of farmers climate change in the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER). Climate is expected cause a rise temperature variability rainfall region, reducing surface availability raising dependence on groundwater. The study data come from surveys with 147 living Ziway–Shala basin assessments 162 samples groundwater wells water. Most were found be unsuitable long term agricultural use due their high salinity sodium adsorption ratio, which has implications soil permeability, as well elevated bicarbonate, boron residual carbonate concentrations. survey indicate that sufficiency major concern leads frequent crop failures, especially erratic insufficient rainfall. An important adaptation mechanism improved varieties, but barriers include lack access irrigation water, credit or savings, appropriate seeds, knowledge information weather conditions. Local (development) agents are identified vital enhancing farmers’ risks solutions, extension programs must therefore continue promote resilience area. Unfortunately, much MER could used cope declining viability rainfed agriculture availability, poor quality. saline jeopardize sector, most notably commercial horticulture floriculture activities. highlights complex nexus challenges facing sector should help decision-makers design feasible strategies food security.