SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) PRODUCTION AND RESPONSE OF THE CROP TO APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS AND IRRIGATION IN THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS

First and foremost, I would like to thank Professor Nigussie Dechassa (PhD) (chairperson of the advisory committee), for his well-articulated professional guidance, constructive criticisms, hospitality and for all kinds of support he provided me starting from the problem identification up to the completion of the work. In addition, his meticulous review of the manuscripts was pivotal in enhancing the quality of the dissertation and its presentation. I also extend my gratitude to the other members of the advisory committee Dr. Yibekal Alemayehu, Prof. Tamado Tana and Dr. Bobe Bedadi for their encouragement and the critical reviews they made on the manuscripts that make up this dissertation. I would like to thank the World Bank-supported Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation hosted by Haramaya University for funding the research work. My gratitude also goes to Haramaya University for providing me with the equipment I required for drip irrigation. My appreciation goes also to Wolaita Sodo University for granting me a leave of absence with pay to pursue my study. I also thank agricultural experts of the East and West Hararghe Zones as well as the smallholder potato farmers whom I interviewed for their enthusiastic cooperation during the survey study. I solemnly acknowledge Lemide and other field technical assistants working at Haramaya University’s main campus research site for mobilizing the necessary resources to undertake the field experiments. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to all technical assistants of the soil and horticulture laboratories of Haramaya University especially, Dilnesa, Lemi, Bane, Dheresa, Shewa, Fuad, and Yonas My wife, Helen Teshome, is a special person to me, my success means nothing without her in my life. I could not have succeeded in passing through the toughest phase of my life at Haramaya University without her support, encouragement, and prayers. I am also very thankful to my cute children Mihiret and Robel for their love and support. I would like to thank my friends Mesfin Tebeje, Firew Sisay, and Dr. Fikrey Tesfaye for providing me with multidirectional supports during the study period. I express my heartfelt gratitude to my family members for their endless encouragement and moral support during the whole period of the study. Above all, I would like to praise and glorify the Almighty God for He made all things possible to finish my study