The role of grassroots institutions in enhancing household adaptation to climate variability in farming systems in Embu County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2016-09
Authors
Ombogoh, Douglas Bwire
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The highlands of East Africa are the food baskets of the region, yet the livelihoods
of communities in these areas are at risk with increase in climate variability.
Adaptation measures are needed to cushion these communities and enable
sustainable agricultural systems. However, most adaptation measures are planned at
the national level with little regard to the local adaptation processes. The role of
grassroots institutions in enhancing adaptation through collective action needs to be
examined to identify effective policies that will augment adaptation in the target
areas. This study was conducted in two Focal Development Areas (FDA) in Embu
County Kenya. It examined the role of grassroots institutions in enhancing
adaptation to climate variability in smallholder farming systems in the study area.
The study objectives were: to identify adaptation strategies in response to rainfall
and temperature variability; to identify collective action strategies used by
grassroots institutions in enhancing adaptation to rainfall and temperature
variability; to determine socio economic factors that affect the choice of adaptation
strategies; and to determine the limitations of grassroots institutions in enhancing
adaptation to rainfall and temperature variability. Through simple random
sampling, a survey of 240 households was undertaken, supplemented by focus
group discussions with community groups and key informant interviews.
Descriptive statistics were used to analyze adaptation strategies, while the second
objective was analyzed by chi-square (X2) test and Principal Component Analysis
(PCA). Logistic regression was used to analyze the third objective, and thematic
analysis to analyze the limitations. Common adaptation strategies to rainfall
variability included: planting different crop varieties (59.3%), planting trees (52%),
planting different crops in different seasons (46%), and soil and water conservation
(35%). Using chemicals and fertilizers (22%), use of shading (20%), and irrigation
(14%) were common adaptation strategies to temperature variability. Respondents
adaptation to climate variability was related to membership in community groups,
i2 (1, N=240) =42.09, p<.OOI). Collective action strategies that enhanced
adaptation were: development of group capacity encompassing skills and
knowledge sharing, making collective decisions and sharing income; group assets
management; collective marketing and market information sourcing; and human
and natural resource management which involved labour sharing and formulation
of management rules for natural resources. Access to credit, access to weather
information, on-farm income, and belonging to a group were determinants of
adaptation strategies (chi square= 113.296, p< .001 with df= 22). The main
limitations were financial constraints, lack of cooperation among group members,
conflicts and limited access to safety nets such as insurance schemes. Communities
in the study area adapted their farming systems in response to perceived climate
variations. Collective action through farmer groups provided an opportunity for
addressing the climate related risks. Therefore, initiatives in the study area should
focus on strengthening farmer groups' capacity through soft skills development to
enhance collective action. Timely access to weather information and opportunities
for accessing credit will contribute to enhancing resilience of smallholder farmers
in the study area.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
The Award of the Degree of Master of Environmental Studies
(Climate change and sustainability) of Kenyatta University
September, 2016