Admassu, Habtamu2014-02-072014-02-072013http://hdl.handle.net/10625/52417The research developed a strategic predictor capable of advanced prediction of rainfall parameters by a lead time of two to three months, a marked improvement over previous forecasting. Using the amount of off-season and cumulative early-season rainfall, seventeen prediction models that can facilitate in-season tactical response farming (RF) were developed. Predictive capacity is crucial for rainfall variability and farming conditions in the drylands of Ethiopia. An increased maize grain yield by 70% was achieved from enhanced RF (ERF) forecasts which guided maize production strategy, and was tested at 55 sites during the 2010-11 seasons.application/pdfenRAINFALL VARIABILITYETHIOPIAARID ZONEMAIZEFARMING SYSTEMSSOUTH OF SAHARAAGROECOLOGYPLANTING DATEAGRONOMYRAINFALLFORECASTING TECHNIQUESThesis