Effects of Climate Variability on Tea Production in Bomet County, Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Makokha, George Lukoye
Macharia, Anthony
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJIRAS
Abstract
Changes in weather elements such as temperature and rainfall have a strong influence on tea production. The extent to which climate variability has impacted on tea production, the main source of livelihood in Bomet Central sub-County is still not documented. To bridge that gap, this study investigated the effects of climate variability on tea production and the adaptation strategies by smallholder farmers in Bomet Central sub-County, Bomet County. The data used in the study include: observed monthly rainfall and temperature for Bomet Central sub-County obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department for Bomet Water Supply Weather Station and monthly tea production data for Kapkoros and Tirgaga tea Factories obtained from Kenya Tea Development Agency from 1993–2013. The research was based on a descriptive survey design with a target population of 10,800 tea farmers with a sample size of 130 respondents. Regression analysis was used for time series rainfall, temperature and tea output data over the 21-year period The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of rainfall and temperature variability on smallholder tea production in Bomet Central sub-County from 1993–2013. The results showed that Bomet County experienced a slight increase in rainfall and temperature trend by 6.471mm and about 0.029oC respectively per year. Pearson correlation showed that there was a weak positive relationship between rainfall variability and tea production R=0.122 (R2=0.015) but a strong positive relationship between temperature and tea production R=0.908 (R2=0.825). The study recommends that farmers be advised to establish and manage shade trees in their tea farms so as to reduce ambient temperature around the tea bushes, add organic matter to soil and reduce drought effects.
Description
article
Keywords
Climate variability, Tea production, Smallholder Tea Farmers
Citation
Agnes, C., Makokha, G. L., & Macharia, A. Effects Of Climate Variability On Tea Production In Bomet County, Kenya.