Adapting to weather in Ethiopia: A quest for information

Andinet Bayissa, Head of Programmes at BBC Media Action in Ethiopia, looks at how the charity is exploring the best methods of communication to help communities adapt to changing weather.

The Journey

Recently, I travelled to the Hamer district in the south western area of Ethiopia on a fact-finding mission. We wanted to know more about the cultural, lifestyle and power relationships and farming practices of the drought-affected Hamer people. This quest for information will help shape a new BBC Media Action communication project to help communities adapt and become more resilient to extreme weather.

On our way, we enjoyed the breath-taking rift valley landscape, passing traditional stone wall terraces, fresh mango groves and lush grasslands – finally arriving at the home of the Hamer Tribe. This cattle-herding and small-scale agricultural community in South Omo are easily distinguished by their colourful clothing, ornaments and decorations.

Rain: Are you coming?

My visit to the Hamer village of Besheda corresponded with what the Hamer call the Le’e season (rainy season). During this time, rain is vital for crops such as maize and sorghum – but, most importantly, grass for the Hamer people’s most valuable possession: cattle. The lateness of the season’s rain in April made the villagers worried about their cattle’s survival. When would rain come, and how much and for how long? Remembering the severe droughts of 1999/2000, the village’s traditional leader, Bonko Basha, talked about how his villagers lost cattle and had to flee to other towns for food and water. He said that now droughts of a smaller scale occur every 2 to 3 years.

Lack of weather information is among the main reasons why villagers are unable to make informed decisions. The National Meteorological Agency’s weather forecast covers a wider area, making it difficult for the villagers to determine whether it will rain in their village or not.

Knowledge is power

In Hamer, men make almost all important decisions. We asked Bonko Basha if men consult their wives when making decisions such as selling goats. He said, ‘’We never consult women. All property in this house is mine. I am the only one who can decide what to do with my property…. My wife’s role is to prepare meals for the family, and help me in the field”.

Although women are responsible for most farming activities, their access to radio, mobile phones, and traditional and formal forums are severely restricted. If women had access to the right information, the community might become more resilient to extreme weather. However, women in this community have no forums. Tradition prohibits ‘women only’ gatherings unless special permission is granted by community elders.

Reach out to men to reach women

My take from my eye-opening trip to Hamer is that the community, particularly women could benefit from better weather information. However, as it stands, reaching women with information is challenging – and may lead us to reach them through men. Any communication needs to take into consideration cultural traditions, deep-seated attitudes and encourage men to share resources - including access to radio, and mobile phones. As behaviour change takes time, it is paramount to use the few available platforms in the community to reach women – like market days or local meetings and networks which allow female participation.

Whichever method of communication we choose, BBC Media Action’s continued research will inform the best way to help communities in Ethiopia, especially women, become more resilient to extreme weather.

For more information, visit our BBC Media Action website.

Andinet Bayissa is Head of Programmes at BBC Media Action in Ethiopia