Effects of trends of climate variability and small-scale farmers’ perception and adaptation strategies in Kijabe Location, Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2016-10
Authors
Kiarie, Samuel Wakang’u
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study was undertaken in Kijabe location where small-scale farmers depend on
rain fed agriculture and over the years, frequent crop failure due to rain shortages has
become common. Climate scientists predict increasingly dry conditions in much of
Africa due to climate variability. Small-scale farmers’ efforts to adapt have shown
both unfavourable and positive effects and hence the need to be explored. This study
therefore examined the small-scale farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate
variability, in Kijabe location, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study evaluated trends in
rainfall and temperature between1983 and 2013, assessed how these trends of climate
variability have affected farmers’ perception in climate variability and also explored
small-scale farmers’ adaptation strategies. The study further analysed how socioeconomic
factors influence small-scale farmers’ adaptation to climate variability in
Kijabe. Mixed method approach was adopted in addressing the objectives of the
study. The study employed simple random and purposive sampling techniques.
Questionnaires, interviews, field observations and review of documents, techniques
and tools were employed to generate relevant data. Qualitative and quantitative data
analysis techniques were adopted and results presented using frequency tables, bar
graphs and pie charts. Results of the study established that small scale farmers in
Kijabe experienced climate variability in the period 1983-2013. The results of this
study established a positive relationship between temperature variation and adaptation
by small scale farmers in Kijabe. Small scale farmers who detected an increase in
temperature were more likely to adapt compared to those who have not detected any
increase in temperature (r= 0.015, p<0.020). The study further showed that small
scale farmers who detected an increase in rainfall were less likely to adapt compared
to those farmers who detected a decreased in precipitation (r= -0.014, p<0.001).
Major adaptation methods adopted by small scale farmers were mixed crops farming
(91%), growing crops that mature faster (90%), increased use of inorganic fertilizers
(87%) and change of planting dates (i.e. planting at first rain) (74%). The probability
of more educated farmers to adapt to climate variability was higher than that of less
educated farmers (r = 0.010, p<0.01). The challenges to climate adaptations strategies
among the small scale farmers identified included; lack of improved seeds (87%),
lack of capital (86%), lack of necessary farm inputs (77%), lack of information about
proper adaptation mechanisms (69%), lack of timely climate forecasting information
on the expected climate changes (53%) and shortage of water for irrigation (52%).
The study concluded that climate variability is real and small-scale farmers have
adopted various adaptation strategies which are constrained by a range of challenges
in Kijabe. The study recommends that rain-fed farming in Kijabe needs to be
complimented with drip irrigation, rain water harvesting and green house techniques
to enhance sustainable crop production. Ministry of Agriculture and Kenya
Meteorological Department should ensure accurate, reliable and customized weather
information is recorded and weather advisories are timely developed and availed to
the farmers. Small scale farmers should be empowered on the need to embrace
sustainable adaptation strategies.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of master of environmental studies (community development) in the school of environmental studies of Kenyatta University. October, 2016