A climate trend analysis of Ethiopia
Fact Sheet
2012-3053
Famine Early Warning Systems Network--Informing Climate Change Adaptation Series
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Abstract
This brief report, drawing from a multi-year effort by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), examines recent trends in March-June, June-September, and March-September rainfall and temperature, identifying significant reductions in rainfall and increases in temperature over time in many areas of Ethiopia. Conclusions: * Spring and summer rains in parts of Ethiopia have declined by 15-20 percent since the mid-1970s. * Substantial warming across the entire country has exacerbated the dryness.* An important pattern of observed existing rainfall declines coincides with heavily populated areas of the Rift Valley in south-central Ethiopia, and is likely already adversely affecting crop yields and pasture conditions. * Rapid population growth and the expansion of farming and pastoralism under a drier, warmer climate regime could dramatically increase the number of at-risk people in Ethiopia during the next 20 years.* Many areas of Ethiopia will maintain moist climate conditions, and agricultural development in these areas could help offset rainfall declines and reduced production in other areas.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | A climate trend analysis of Ethiopia |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2012-3053 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20123053 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| Country | Ethiopia |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |