Vulnerability of smallholder farming systems to climate change-induced hazards in Duguna Fango Wereda, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture bring highly vulnerability to climate-related hazards, which threaten their livelihoods. This study aimed to assess the vulnerability of smallholder farming systems to climate change-induced hazards in Duguna Fango Wereda, Ethiopia. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was employed, combining household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A total of 226 households were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Household vulnerability was assessed using three components: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) was used to quantify overall vulnerability. The results showed high exposure (0.72), moderate sensitivity (0.55), and low adaptive capacity (0.11), resulting in an overall vulnerability index of 0.72. These findings indicate that most smallholder farmers in the study area were highly vulnerable to climate change-induced hazards. The study provides important insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to design interventions that enhance resilience among smallholder farming communities.