Analysis of trends and variability of climatic parameters in Teff growing belts of Ethiopia

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyze the trend and variability of rainfall and temperature parameters in the teff growing belts of Ethiopia. The data were obtained from weather stations and covered 1981–2018. Data analyses were carried out with descriptive statistics and time trend regression model. The results showed that short-season rainfall declined by 0.474 mm, while long-season rainfall increased by 2.72 mm. Also, the short season rainfall showed higher variability when compared to the long season rainfall. The standardized seasonal rainfall anomalies indicated severe and extreme droughts (<−1), and the results were in alignment previous droughts. In addition, over the period, the maximum and minimum temperature significantly increased by 0.13 and 0.15°C, respectively. The coefficients of variation (CV) for maximum and minimum temperatures were 2.24 and 5.10%, respectively. Anomalies in maximum and minimum temperatures were negatively low in 1981–1997 but positive in 2003–2018. There were teff yield anomalies and variability. It was concluded that variations in selected climatic parameters or their interactions accounted for teff yield variability. This necessitates provision of adequate adaptation strategies to minimize the impacts of climate change on the yields of teff.