The rain fed crop production is inherently sensitive to climate variability and change. This research aimed to investigate the trend of climate variability and change and examine its impact on rain fed crop production in the Lokka Abaya District. For this purpose, 190 respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique from four villages. To collect data, interview schedule, key informant interview and focus group discussions instruments were implemented. A combined effort of Mann Kendall trend test at 95% significant level for analysis of temporal monotonic trend through the use of Microsoft Excel was implemented. The study results indicated that, annual rainfall shows a decreasing trend, whereas temperature shows significantly increasing trend. The survey also indicated reduced crop yield due to the impacts of climate variability and change therefore, timely dissemination of climate information and suitable adaptation option will be essential so as to overcome the impacts of climate variability and change on crop production.

Keywords: Adaptation strategies, Climate change, Climate variability and Crop production