General

Ethiopia's agriculture sector contributes 42 to 45% of its gross domestic product and employs more than 80% of the population. However, the sector remains fragile and vulnerable to climate change. This project will provide knowledge to help Ethiopians adapt. Climate change and agriculture in Ethiopia Scientists are predicting that rainfall in Ethiopia will be more variable, with more drought- and flood-related incidents in the future. Projected rainfall changes will make Ethiopia even more vulnerable to harvest and food shortfalls. Small-scale farmers will need to adopt water management technologies to increase food output in the face of a changing climate. There is a need to identify the barriers that farmers face. Enhancing adaptation through research This project aims to enhance the adaptation process in Ethiopia by -analyzing combinations of technologies for profitability and ease of use; -identifying barriers for optimal adaptation by examining data from the Blue Nile Basin that has a focus on climate change in small-scale agriculture; and -conducting a randomized controlled trial of a policy intervention designed to improve adaptation options that are socially accepted. The project team will also investigate how gender differentiated ime and risk preferences affect whether and to what extent households adopt technology. Results will help government and farmers The researchers will share their evidence-based analysis with the Ethiopian Ministries of Agriculture, and Water, Irrigation and Energy. The findings are expected to inform ongoing government policies and programs designed to increase adoption rates, crop yields, food security, sustainable agricultural growth, and resilience in the face of climate change. Programs include the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy and the second phase of the Sustainable Land Management Sector Program. The project will build skills and knowledge among younger researchers, such as postdoctoral, PhD, and postgraduate students. The team will train farmers and extension agents, who educate farmers in new innovations. Research outputs will include scientific peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.

General

Assessed contributions are made to a number of UN agencies arising from Ireland’s membership of organisations such as the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the International Office for Migration (IOM), the UN Convention on Biodiversity (UNCBD), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Contributions are also made to initiatives that reflect Ireland's commitment to multlateralism, such as the UN75 initiative to make the 75th anniversary of the UN's establishment.

Objectives

UNIDO serves as a forum and broker for knowledge transfer on industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation and environmental sustainability. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration and to promote international cooperation on migration issues. UNCCD works to improve the condition of affected ecosystems, combat desertification/land degradation and promote sustainable land management.