Perceptions of climate variability, adaptation strategies, and their determinants among smallholder farmers in the Gabiley Region, Somaliland

Climate variability and change significantly threaten agricultural yields in developing countries, particularly Somaliland, where crop production is susceptible to rain and temperature fluctuations. This study assessed the perceptions of climate variability, adaptation strategies, and their determinants among smallholder farmers in the Gabiley Region, Somaliland. A mixed-methods approach involved a survey of 193 farming households, selected via multistage sampling, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression models were used to identify determinants of adaptation, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed strong farmer awareness of climate change (86.5%), with most reporting rainfall declines and temperature increases, and 93.8% experiencing droughts. Despite this, a significant adaptation gap persists, with an average adoption rate of 45% across various adaptation strategies. While adjusting crop calendars, drought-tolerant cultivation, crop rotation, and terracing show high adoption, crop diversification, soil and water conservation, water harvesting, irrigation, and ‘advanced practices’ exhibit low adoption. Key determinants that positively influenced adoption included education level, household size, employment status, market access, and direct experience with climate events. This study emphasizes the urgent need for effective context-specific climate adaptation. Recommendations include enhancing farmer education on climate adaptation, improving access to markets and climate information, and providing targeted support for the adoption of crucial but underutilized strategies, such as drought-tolerant crop varieties, water harvesting, and soil conservation techniques, to bolster agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods in the Gabiley region.