Perceived Climate Variability Effects on Socio- Economic Well-Being of Dairy Farmers, Case Study of Kisii Highlands in Kenya

Abstract

The dairy sector globally has been hit by climate variability impacts that affect animal performance. This affects the socioeconomic wellbeing of dairy farmers across the globe. This study was conducted at Kisii Highlands, a tropical region in the western part of Kenya. The objectives to the study were: to determine the socioeconomic impact of climate variability on dairy farming along the Kisii Highlands and to assess farmers’ perceptions on climate variability disease effect relation on dairy breeds in Kisii Highlands. The research took a survey approach to collect quantitative data. 100 respondents were interviewed during the study. Data was analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Sciences and Likert scale to monitor respondents’ perceptions. The findings show that, climate variability effect on management practices had highest Total Weight (T.W) of 433.5 among the statement responses. The year 1984 was the driest year with (σ2 = -35.4). From the climate variability effect disease relation, Pneumonia was the most predominant climate variability related disease in the area with 43 respondents.