This study analyzes the variability and trends of precipitation (P), air temperature, and reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) in Ethiopia’s Lake Tana sub-basin from 1980 to 2023, evaluating their impacts on water resources, agriculture, and forestry. As a vital ecological and socio-economic area in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, the sub-basin faces growing climate-related risks. Using monthly climate data from five sources (MSWX-Past, MERRA-2, ERA-5, CRUTS4.06, and TerraClimate), the study assessed spatiotemporal variability and trends. ET₀ was estimated using the FAO56 Penman–Monteith method, and statistical tools such as linear regression, coefficient of variation, and standardized rainfall anomaly were applied. Results show significant increases in annual and Kiremt (June–September) rainfall, while Belg (February–May) and Bega (October–January) experienced slight, non-significant declines. Air temperatures rose significantly, peaking in March, while ET₀ was highest in the sub-basin’s north and during the Belg season. Rainfall variability was low during Kiremt but higher during Belg and Bega. The climatic water balance also showed rising seasonal and annual trends. These changes present challenges for sustainable resource management. Strengthening climate monitoring, integrated water management, and climate-resilient practices is essential to support sustainable development in the Lake Tana sub-basin.

Climate change presents a growing threat to food security, ecosystems, and livelihoods in Ethiopia, where a predominantly agrarian economy faces recurring droughts, land degradation, and rising temperatures. This review explores the synergistic role of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and natural forests in promoting climate change adaptation and food security. Using a systematic literature review methodology, 112 peer-reviewed studies and reports published between 2010 and 2025 were analyzed. The review identifies CSA's core functions productivity enhancement, resilience building, and mitigation and highlights the complementary ecosystem services provided by natural forests, such as carbon sequestration, soil fertility, biodiversity conservation, and microclimate regulation. A conceptual framework is proposed to illustrate the interconnectedness of CSA practices and forest-based approaches for adaptation and hunger alleviation. The review also evaluates policy gaps, regional hunger incidences, and innovative practices, emphasizing Ethiopia's need for integrated strategies that merge agro ecological innovation with forest restoration. The findings support CSA–forest integration as a viable pathway for transforming food systems, especially in climate-vulnerable regions such as Borena, Wollo, Somali, and Afar. Strategic recommendations are provided to guide future research, policy formulation, and local implementation for sustainable climate resilience and hunger reduction.

Understanding rainfall trends & projections is essential for water resource management. This study showed historical (1981-2020) and future (2021-2100) rainfall amounts and trends across 71 grid points separated by 0.44o in Amhara and Amhara’s five rainfall regimes (A3, A4, A5U, A5L, A6). Ground and satellite merged historical data from Ethiopia Meteorology Institute (EMI) and the Rossby Centre Regional Atmospheric Model (RCA) forced by an ensemble of the best-performed Global Circulation Models (GCMs) in Amhara, HadGEM2-ES of UK and MPI-ESM-LR of Germany, in three Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios, RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 from CORDEX project were the basis of dataset. Amhara’s annual, seasonal, and monthly historical rainfall trends mostly increased. During Jun-Sep (Kiremt), lower rainfall receiving regimes (A6, A5L, A5U) had a significant increasing trend (~ 4 mm/year), while wetter regimes (A3 & A4) had a non-significant increasing (< 1 mm/year) and decreasing (~ -0.5 mm/year) trends, respectively. Generally, compared to the climatology, the annual and Kiremt rainfall in Amhara is projected to increase in the near-term (2021-2040) and mid-term (2041-2060) and decrease in the long-term (2081-2100); Oct-Jan (Bega) rainfall is projected to increase in all future terms and all RCP scenarios while Feb-May (Belg) rainfall will be abrupt

The Boswellia papyrifera , a deciduous tree species vital for frankincense production, is indigenous to the drylands of Africa, particularly Eritrea and Ethiopia. This review consolidates existing research to examine the distribution, regeneration challenges, and threats con-fronting this ecologically and economically significant species. Despite its multifaceted roles in providing frankincense, fodder, and ecological services, B. papyrifera populations are experiencing a notable decline. Factors contributing to this include the expansion of agricultural activities into woodland areas, unsustainable tapping practices for resin extraction, excessive grazing, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Overharvesting, in particular, significantly impedes natural regeneration, resulting in a population structure dominated by mature trees. The ecological functionality of B. papyrifera in combating desertification is also under threat. Thus, the implementation of sustainable management strategies such as regulated tapping practices, controlled grazing, and the exploration of ex-situ conservation methods are urgently needed. Given their historical and cultural significance, the Orthodox churches of Ethiopia and Eritrea, which utilize frankincense in religious ceremonies, could play a pivotal role. Their involvement in promoting sustainable harvesting, establishing protected areas, and conducting reforestation initiatives could significantly contribute to the long-term viability of B. papyrifera and the preservation of the livelihoods that depend on it.