Adaptation to Climate Variability by Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Nyandarua County, Kenya
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Date
2018
Authors
Changara, Abraham Odari
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Dairy farming constitutes a significant source for livelihood to a majority of households
allover the world, including Kenya. Climate variability impacts negatively on dairy
farming. The smallholder dairy farmers have not appropriately domesticated the
necessary adaptation mechanisms for resilience against climate variability in Nyandarua
County. This study assessed the strategies and practices adopted by farmers in order to
cope with climate variability and its effects on smallholder dairy farming in Nyandarua
county. The aim of the study was to assess climate variability, its relationship with dairy
farming and to document coping strategies for resilience against climate variability by
the smallholder dairy farmers of Nyandarua County. The study adopted an integrated
conceptual framework approach (combined socio-economic and biophysical) in which
rainfall and temperature is seen to impact dairy systems and farmers‟ coping capacity.
Data on climate variables of temperature and rainfall was obtained from the Kenya
Meteorological Department(KMD), while data on dairy production was from the Kenya
Dairy Board (KDB) that has the mandate of regulating, promoting and developing the
dairy industry in Kenya. Primary data was collected from households using semistructured
questionnairers, field observations and key informant interviews. The data
collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and excel
spreadsheet, to generate frequencies, tables, pie charts and graphs. The findings
established a significant relationship between milk production and climate variability,
(P=0.047) for temperature and precipitation. Further analysis shows a positive
correlation of 0.784 for milk production and climate variability. The adjusted R²
Coefficient of determination was found to be 0.58, implying that 58% variation in milk
production could be explained by climate variability. A unit positive change in
temperature would result in -0.109 change in milk production while a unit change in
precipitation would have +0.398 increases in milk production. Periods with high
temperature resulted in low production of milk while high precipitation gave rise to
increase in milk production. Some of the strategies adopted for coping with climate
variability included; the provison of adequate feeds, storage of hay and silage, rainwater
harvesting, construction of cattle shades to moderate adverse weather conditions, early
milking of the animals at mid-day before the animals experience high humidity and
temperature stress. Majority of the respondents had access to credit during extreme
climate condition as a coping strategy. The study advocates for development of
irrigation infrastructure in the region so as to make water easily accessible and also
augment the water harvested during the seasonal rainfall period in the County. County
Meteorological Services delivery should be strengthened and enhanced so that climate
forecast products may be disseminated to farmers on regular and timely basis
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Environmental Science in the School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University. September, 2018