Integrating Community Risk Perception and Institutional Determinants in Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: A Case Study of Raya Azebo District, Ethiopia

Climate change poses significant challenges to agrarian communities in vulnerable regions like Raya Azebo District, Ethiopia, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed and susceptible to droughts, erratic rainfall, and temperature increases. This study integrates community risk perceptions with institutional determinants to examine adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers. Drawing on a synthesis of household survey data and existing literature, the research reveals that farmers perceive heightened risks from decreased precipitation, increased temperatures, and pest infestations, which drives the adoption of certain adaptation strategies such as crop diversification and soil conservation. However, the efficacy and scope of these adaptations are significantly mediated by institutional factors. Access to extension services, availability of credit, and local governance structures are critical determinants shaping the capacity of households to move from risk perception to effective action. Findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive policies that address the unique vulnerabilities of female-headed households and the necessity of strengthening local institutions to enhance community resilience. The study concludes with recommendations for improving institutional support systems to bridge the persistent perception-action gaps in climate adaptation, thereby fostering more sustainable and resilient livelihoods in the face of escalating climate risks.