Notes to broadcasters
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Farmers across Africa are facing unpredictable weather brought on by climate change. Sometimes the rainy season comes late; sometimes it ends early. Sometimes the rains come late and hard, causing floods. Sometimes rains don’t come at all, causing drought conditions. With these weather changes, it’s difficult for farmers to plan which crops to grow, when to prepare land, when to plant, and how to plan other farming tasks.
In response to weather changes, farmers are trying many things. They are growing new crops, trying drought-tolerant varieties, and changing other farm practices.
In Ethiopia, about 45% of the economy is based on agricultural production. The economy and livelihoods of many people rely on weather, in particular rain. The weather varies in different parts of the country, especially between the highlands and the lowlands. The weather in the Ethiopian highlands is relatively cool, with a good amount of rain for farming. There are two seasons in the highland areas of Ethiopia. The dry season runs from October to May and the wet season is from June to September. The weather in the lowlands is much hotter and drier. Agricultural practices differ across the country to match differences in weather patterns.
This script features the voices of Ethiopian highland farmers talking about how they experience the changing climate. The farmers talk about the problems associated with the changing climate, and the practices they are using to adapt to the situation.
Changes in rainfall patterns and hotter temperatures are the biggest concerns for Ethiopian highland farmers. Not only is it difficult to make decisions about what to grow, but yields have dropped. Climate change is interacting with other pressures on the land, such as deforestation and environmental degradation, to reduce farmers’ ability to cope. Extension agents and government programs are advocating practices such as using inputs, planting trees, using drought-resistant crops, using early-maturing crops, diversification into other activities (for example, raising oxen and chickens) to help farmers adapt to the changing climate. Farmers are adopting these practices and starting to see results.
This script introduces these practices, but does not explain them in detail. You could adapt this program to include details on how farmers could adopt one or two of these practices – for example, raising chickens, adopting drought-resistant staple crops, or planting trees – in your area. Please ensure that you do not try to include so much information that your listeners will not be able to retain it all. You could also follow up this program with a phone-in with an expert who can talk about adopting these practices in greater detail.
Are farmers in your area experiencing changes in the weather? Talk to them and produce a program on this theme.
Invite listeners to call or text-in on this subject, and share their own experiences with the changing climate and what they are doing to adapt to it. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
- How has the weather changed in the last few years, or the last decade?
- What impact has this had on your farming?
- What is the most difficult thing about the changing weather?
- What steps are you taking to adapt to the changing weather?
- Have you had any successes with adapting?
This script is based on actual interviews. You could use this script as inspiration to produce a program on farmers in your area and how they are affected by the changing climate. Or, you might choose to produce this item as part of your regular farmer program, using voice actors to represent the speakers. If so, please make sure to tell your audience at the beginning of the program that the voices are those of actors, not the original people involved in the interviews.
Average running time: 13-14 minutes without beginning and end music
This program could be broadcast at any time of year, but might be best broadcast during a time when farmers are considering what crops they will grow, and what land preparation practices and other practices they will follow for the next growing season.
Script
MUSIC:
SIG TUNE UP THEN UNDER
HOST:
A changing climate is shifting weather patterns all over the world. / The number of hot days is increasing and intense rainfall events are becoming more common than in past decades. In Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa, farmers are having a difficult time. Today, you will hear from farmers on the front lines of climate change. These people will tell you about the difficulties they are facing, and what they are doing to try to adapt. Stay tuned.
MUSIC:
SIG TUNE UP AND OUT UNDER
Ethiopia is made up of a central plateau called the Ethiopian highlands, and lowlands which surround the plateau. The highland areas have a relatively cool climate, while the lowlands are much hotter and drier. But the weather in the Ethiopian highlands is changing. Farmers are having problems with these changes in addition to other pressures to the mountainous land. Today, we will talk to some highland farmers about what they are doing to adapt to the changing climate.
MUSIC:
SIG TUNE UP AND OUT UNDER
HOST:
A few months ago, I took a two-hour car ride from Addis Ababa to Mogle Mountain in the western part of Ethiopia, about a 60-kilometre trip. Here is a recording of my journey to meet with farmers on the front lines of climate change.
SFX:
SOUND OF WIND, DOMESTIC ANIMALS (OXEN, DONKEY, CATTLE) AND BIRDS UNDER INTERVIEWS
HOST:
These days the area around Mogle Mountain looks degraded. The mountains and the whole area used to be covered by trees and be home to many animals. But the mountains are highly eroded and deforested now. On top of this, the climate is changing from highland weather to lowland weather.
I start walking before the sun is overhead. Farmers I meet on my way are busy ploughing in groups. Some are singing local songs, encouraging other farmers not to get tired. They will start planting in the next two weeks. After a long walk, I meet a local farmer called Ayano Megersa.
HOST:
Ayano Megersa was ploughing the land to grow wheat, the next crop in his rotation, and to control weeds. He looks tired, but welcomes us and gives his oxen to his son Tulu. We sit under the shade of a tree and he tells us about his pre-planting activities.
AYANO:
We don’t have much time before the rainy season. We have to work hard before the rain starts.
HOST:
How long have you been in this district?
AYANO:
I was born here 45 years ago and grew up here. My family depends on agriculture for our livelihood.
HOST:
When does the rainy season come in this area?
AYANO:
The main rains start in June, but this varies. In recent years, the rains can start late and stop early. Extension workers informed us that climate change is making rains more unpredictable.
HOST:
Does this have an impact on your farming?
AYANO:
Oh, no question. Because our forest and natural resources have been deforested and degraded, it’s getting harder to cope with the harsh weather. The fertility of our soil has decreased. We have to apply inputs and use improved seeds to get high yields. There is also a shortage of water. That, I think, is because of the changing climate.
HOST:
The farmer looks worried as he talks about the impact of changing weather patterns. Are your yields ok now?
AYANO:
Yes, extension workers advised us to protect our land through terracing. At the same time, they are offering drought-resistant seeds. Now we are ok. But we can’t predict tomorrow’s or next year’s weather because the climate is changing all the time.
HOST:
What is the major impact of climate change for farmers?
AYANO:
The rainy seasons are unpredictable. Sometimes the rains stop or it does not rain during the
belg season (
Editor’s note: the short rainy season from March-May). These days, the weather is our main problem. During the dry season, our cattle cannot find enough grass to graze, so we are forced to sell our cattle.
Scene transition
HOST:
My second stop is Gete Tolosa’s house. The inside of the house is typical for Ethiopian farmers. There are many traditional items on the wall. We sit on a mud seat, have lunch and the traditional coffee ceremony. There are beautiful things on the walls – clothes, farm tools, decorations and the like. I ask her what effect the changing climate has on her farming activities.
GETE:
I don’t know what our chances would be if the government hadn’t brought these improved farm practices.
GETE:
Like improved seed that is drought- and pest-resistant. Also, these days, we are planting trees on degraded land.
HOST:
She is worried about the increasingly harsh weather. It is clearly difficult for her to talk about it. I ask her if her yield is ok now.
GETE:
Yes, our yield is better than with our local seed. The problem we are facing now is that the rains vary from time to time. There can be heavy rainfall and floods. The rains may also stop early.
HOST:
What is the rainy season like compared to the past?
GETE:
The rainy season is becoming short. It was very rainy ten to fifteen years ago, but things are changing day to day. Our wheat needs at least a three month rainy season. This is also crucial for our cattle.
HOST:
What you are doing to tackle this challenge?
GETE:
For the last few years, extension workers have been advising us to use natural protection practices. We are now using terracing to save our farmland from erosion. We are also growing vegetables which are quick-maturing and don’t need much moisture.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE MUSIC AND FADE OUT
HOST:
The changing climate is a difficult issue for Ethiopian farmers. Let me take you to the next farmer. Bayu Daba is 72 years old and has lived here all his life, so he is in a good position to compare the current weather with past decades. He grows wheat and raises cattle.
Bayu Daba stands in the middle of his farmland. His wife Birke is nearby harvesting vegetables such as cabbages and potatoes. They have dug a small traditional well, just a hole in the ground to get water for their vegetables and for domestic use. I introduce myself and we start talking. He is wearing an old hat and appears tired.
BAYU:
This season is a very busy time for us. As you see, we are doing pre-planting and planting activities. The rain seems ok now, but we can’t predict next month’s weather. The weather is very changeable. We are preparing our land and will use inputs.
HOST:
We are under the shade of a tree. This farmer sits unsmiling. He looks worried, and his voice was quiet as he talked about the changing climate.
BAYU:
Farming is becoming more challenging every year. We didn’t use input and improved seeds decades ago. The climate was predictable highland weather in those days. So our local varieties gave us high and quality yield.
But with the changing climate, it is crucial to use improved farm practices to sustain our farming. Our local variety is not drought-resistant like the improved seeds. Our way of life is also changing like the climate. If we use the improved technology, it could double our current yield.
HOST:
I realize that the farmer is looking to me for answers. He assumes that I am an expert on these things. I ask him what is the direct impact of the changing climate on his life.
BAYU:
The changes have been amazing. The fertility of our land is decreasing all the time. The weather is getting hot. I think this is the result of climate change. Am I not correct? I can’t predict what the weather will be tomorrow, or even this afternoon. We used to be able to plan and predict the weather seasonally. But now we just have to apply the extension worker’s advice.
Our farming depends on the rain and other natural conditions. It is a nature-based approach, and not dependent on irrigation. Climate change is changing the nature of our area, and our lives too.
HOST:
How is it changing your lives?
BAYU:
Our farmland used to be different. Twenty or thirty years back, our village’s farmland was vast and the population in our area was very small. It was easy to see wild animals near our village. The weather was highland. The climate has fully changed. Our highland area is now becoming like lowland areas. So our farm practices have to change accordingly. This place was suitable for many crops.
HOST:
You mention the background and the challenges. What are the solutions to overcome these challenges?
BAYU:
The government is offering improved seeds these days that are drought- and pest-resistant. We are being encouraged to use improved seeds and pest control. We are all building terraces and planting trees. Our reforestation practice is really encouraging us to protect the nature of our village. We are finding spring water in the areas that have been reforested and rehabilitated.
SFX:
SOUNDS OF BIRDS UP AND UNDER
HOST:
We will now hear from Bayu’s wife, Birke, who is 47 years old. What do you think is the reason for this unexpected weather?
BIRKE:
The rainy season is unpredictable, or is late in coming. This has directly affected our wheat production. Also, we didn’t get enough grass or feed for our cattle, so the experts advised us to minimize the number of our cattle. We are no longer allowing our cattle to graze. Instead, we are fattening oxen, and feeding them with factory by-products and grass harvested from our small field.
HOST:
What else are you doing to overcome this challenge?
BIRKE:
The government is now encouraging us to use improved, high-yielding seed varieties that are drought- and pest-resistant. Our production doubled over the last few years compared with the local variety.
Scene transition
HOST:
I am now in Yeshi Begna’s kitchen. She is baking bread for her children. The kitchen is very smoky. Her three children surround their mother to receive bread. She assures me that it will take only minutes to cook.
After 15 minutes, I taste fresh bread. The children are asking for bread, and she is trying to cool it. First she cuts it into pieces for her children. Wow, it tastes good! I ask her if she is growing wheat just for home consumption.
YESHI:
A long time ago, we were farming only for home consumption with our local variety. Now, things are changing. We need improved seeds to get money to buy things for the children. These improved seeds are very important for high yield. If we have a surplus yield, we take it to the market to sell.
HOST:
Is this bread made from the improved variety?
YESHI:
No, this one is our local variety. It doesn’t use inputs like urea and DAP (Editor’s note: Urea and DAP are used as fertilizers).
HOST:
Why do you use this local variety for bread?
YESHI:
The improved one is mostly for market and for the next season. By the way, the new variety will soon replace this one.
HOST:
As we talk, Yeshi is still baking bread. The wood is smoking and sometimes the smoke disturbs our interview.
HOST:
How many times do you bake bread in a week?
YESHI:
It depends … Usually I bake two days in a week. My husband takes the wheat to market so he can get money to purchase the family’s needs, like clothes and other things.
HOST:
What do you think about the changing climate? Does it have an impact on your life?
YESHI:
We are facing many challenges in connection with the changing climate. There is a shortage of water for our cattle and also for us. That is the impact of climate change, as I understand it. Both the rainy seasons are becoming unpredictable. Three years ago, there was absolutely no rain during belg season.
HOST:
I stand between Yeshi’s sons. Their names are Deyasa and Meti. Both the children hold bread in their hand. Deyasa is nine years old. While he is waiting for his mother to give him another piece of bread, I ask him where his mother got this bread.
DEYASA:
We have lots of wheat and flour in our storage. Our father brought it after farming.
SFX:
SOUND OF BIRDS UP FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN UNDER CONVERSATION
HOST:
I also met with an extension worker from the same district. Megersa Irena has worked for the last four years as an agronomist.
HOST:
What is the impact of climate change in this area?
MEGERSA:
Climate change has a direct impact on farming activities. The weather is becoming hot and harsh. It is changing the lives of most of the farmers. It has a negative impact on crop production and raising cattle.
HOST:
What do you mean when you say that it is changing the lives of farmers?
MEGERSA:
Farming in this area was completely reliant on the rain. So farmers depended mainly on growing crops. But now, due to climate change, their lives are changing. They are unable to produce only crops. Nature has forced them to consider other opportunities like fattening oxen and chicken farming if they want to have a secure supply of food.
HOST:
What is the outcome of these new practices?
MEGERSA:
Oh! It is very promising and useful to change to these kinds of practices. They used to be completely dependent on rainfall. If the rains were unpredictable, they would have problems. They didn’t have any other way to earn their livelihood.
HOST:
What kind of measures are you taking now to tackle the changing climate?
MEGERSA:
The government has a huge strategy with the motto: “to build green development that is resilient to climate change.” Terracing and reforestation are part of this strategy. So district extension agents are advising all farmers to practice terracing and reforestation. We have seen encouraging results in a few districts. The main outcome is that some degraded areas are recovering. I hope this practice will help to reforest the area.
MUSIC:
SIG TUNE FADE UP AND UNDER HOST
HOST:
The changing weather patterns have many types of impacts on farmers. As you can see, farmers are worried.
Changes in rainfall patterns and hotter temperatures are the biggest concerns for Ethiopian highland farmers. Not only is it difficult to make decisions about what to grow, but yields have dropped. Climate change is interacting with other pressures on the land, such as deforestation and environmental degradation, to reduce farmers’ ability to cope. Extension agents and government programs are advocating practices such as using inputs, planting trees, using drought-resistant crops, using early-maturing crops, and diversification into other activities (for example, raising oxen and chickens) to help farmers adapt to the changing climate. Farmers are adopting these practices and starting to see results.
Farmers are taking what steps they can, with assistance from the government. We know that, to tackle these negative impacts, everyone must work together. This is ___, saying good bye until next time.
SIG TUNE UP AND FADE OUT
Acknowledgements
Contributed by: Haileamlak Kassaye, journalist, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Reviewed by: Jimena Eyzaguirre, Senior Climate Change Specialist, ESSA Technologies Inc., Canada.
Information sources
Interviews with:
Ayano Megersa, farmer, April 26, 2013
Gete Tolosa, farmer, April 26, 2013
Bayu Daba, farmer, April 27, 2013
Birke Woqo, farmer, April 27, 2013
Kebede Jiru, elder, April 29, 2013
Megersa Irena, agronomist, May 8, 2013
Yeshi Begna, farmer, and her son Deyasa Jiru, May 2013
