Farmers’ perceptions of climate change strongly influence local adaptation decisions and responses to climate risks. This study examined farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and the determinants of climate change awareness across agro-ecological zones in Jabitehinan District, Northwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, using a two-stage sampling technique to select 361 respondents. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and binary logistic regression were applied. Results showed that 33.5% of farmers attributed climate variability to natural factors, 28.8% to human activities, and 49.8% to religious causes. Most respondents perceived declining rainfall over the past four decades, with delayed onset and early cessation, increasing irregularity, and shifts in planting seasons. Perceptions varied significantly across agro-ecological zones, with higher reporting of rainfall and temperature changes in semi-arid areas compared to temperate highlands and sub-humid zones. Gender, education, access to irrigation, training, climate information, indigenous knowledge, and extension services significantly influenced perceptions, while age, farming experience, income, and off-farm activities did not. The findings highlight the critical role of socio-demographic and institutional factors in shaping climate awareness, emphasizing the need to strengthen education, training, and extension services to support effective adaptation strategies.
Climate variability; Agro-ecological zones; Local understanding; Key drivers