Perceptions and Coping Strategies to Climate Change among Agro-pastoralist Households in Laasgeel District, Somalia

This study assessed perceptions and coping strategies to climate change among agro-pastoralists in the Laasgeel District of Somalia. A simple random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 204 participants using a structured interview schedule and focus group discussions (FGDs). Percentage and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that the majority, 93.1% of agro-pastoralists, perceived that there is climate change. Social media (z = 3.78) and radio access (z = 2.97) were significantly and positively associated with households’ perceptions of climate change. About (87.0%) of households perceived rising temperatures, (90.2%) reported declining rainfall, and (83.4%) observed an increased drought frequency. Income diversification (58.3%) and herd migration (26.0%) were the main climate change coping strategies. The study concluded that agro-pastoral households perceived climate change as rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and increased drought frequency. The government should enhance access to climate-resilient inputs and subsidies, strengthen climate information services, reinforce local institutions, and promote community-based coping strategies to improve resilience.