Vulenerability of Rural Households to Climate- Induced Shocks: The Case of the Chiro District, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to climate change and variability, particularly climate-induced shocks, which exert significant pressure on the livelihoods of rural households that depend on natural resources. The extent of household vulnerability varies based on adaptive capacity, exposure, and sensitivity to climate risks. However, local and context-specific vulnerability assessments remain limited, particularly in the West Hararghe zone and the Chiro district, creating gaps in effective planning and intervention strategies. This study evaluates the vulnerability of rural households to climate change and climate-induced shocks in Chiro district, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia. A descriptive research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected from 300 randomly selected households across four kebeles using household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. The vulnerability assessment framework was based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) dimensions—exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity—analyzed using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method by integrating with the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). The results indicate that households participating in the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) were 4.15% more vulnerable than non-participants due to their lower aggregate adaptive capacity for livelihood assets. Additionally, PSNP households exhibited higher exposure and susceptibility to climate-induced shocks and biophysical stressors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that enhance off-farm and non-farm livelihood opportunities, expand access to credit, and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment to strengthen resilience against climate change​.