Mulugeta , Messay (PhD)Ayele, Nazrawit2019-10-292023-11-182019-10-292023-11-182019-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/19680This study was undertaken in 3 randomly selected rural kebeles in Hidabo Abote Woreda of North Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State. The study aimed at assessing the contribution of climate smart agricultural practices for crop productivity, food security, livelihoods enhancement and adaptation to climate change. Retrospective-cross-sectional study design was employed and questionnaire-based primary data was collected from 200 randomly selected sample households. In addition, key informant interview and direct observation were employed to generate qualitative data. In fact, secondary data was obtained from various related organizations such as NMA, CSA and the Woreda Agricultural Office. Latest version of SPSS software was used to explore key descriptive and inferential statistics. Household Food Balance Model (HFBM) and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) were used to investigate the availability, consumption and access components of household food security status. The sustainability component was addressed by analyzing the trends and current circumstances of rainfall and temperature in the area. Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) and Coefficient of Variation (CV) were used to look into the level of concentration of rainfall to certain months of a year and variations in rainfall among series of years (1983-2016). It is found that the rainfall is highly concentrated, the variation among years is noticeable and temperature is slightly increasing in the area. The farmers have already started mulching, inter-cropping, agroforestry, crop rotation, improved seed application and water harvesting to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change. It is also found that most farmers perceive the existence of climate change in the area as a result of which they are trying to design their own adaptation mechanisms. Among other variables, age of the household head, income status, asset position, farmland size, access to extension services, experience in agriculture, distance, fertilizer application, family size, and crop- diversification are found to be important determinant factors for CSA practices in the area. In order to harness the best out of CSA practices as a means to adapt to the changing climatic conditions in the area, compressive planning, well thought-out and genuine strategies, adequate understanding of the implementation practices, efficient and effective utilization of natural resources and competent expertise/leadership are recommended to be vital.enClimate-Smart AgricultureAdoptionClimate ChangeFood SecurityThesis