Systematic Review of Climate Change Impacts on Ethiopia's Food Systems: Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

ABSTRACT

Climate change is a major driver of food insecurity in Ethiopia, affecting agricultural productivity, water availability, and rural livelihoods. The country's reliance on rain‐fed agriculture increases its vulnerability to climate‐related hazards, underscoring the need to synthesize existing evidence on climate risks and food system vulnerability. This systematic review synthesized scientific evidence on the impacts of climate change on Ethiopia's food systems, identified major climate‐related risks and vulnerability factors, and assessed adaptation strategies and their policy implications. Following PRISMA guidelines, peer‐reviewed studies were systematically identified from major scientific databases using predefined search terms. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 232 eligible studies were included and synthesized thematically to examine climate risks, vulnerability determinants, food system impacts, and adaptation measures. Evidence from 232 studies indicates that climate variability and climate change are major drivers of food insecurity in Ethiopia. Drought, rising temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns were the principal climate risks affecting agricultural production and food availability. Recurrent droughts accounted for approximately 60% of crop yield losses, food insecurity increased by an estimated 2.3% annually, and a 1°C rise in temperature was associated with a 10% reduction in major staple crop production. Rural households were disproportionately affected, experiencing 15% greater deterioration in food security than urban households. The reviewed studies consistently identified climate‐resilient agricultural practices, irrigation expansion, and region‐specific adaptation measures as key strategies for reducing climate‐induced food insecurity. Climate change poses substantial risks to Ethiopia's food systems through interacting environmental and socio‐economic pathways. Strengthening climate‐resilient agriculture, improving water resource management, expanding social protection, and promoting locally appropriate adaptation strategies are essential to enhance food security. These findings provide evidence to inform policy, practice, and future research while highlighting the need to address regional knowledge gaps and evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of adaptation interventions.