Vulnerability of Smallholder Maize Production to Climate Variability in Selected Counties in Kenya
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Kabara, Millicent Akinyi
Onono – Okelo, Perez Ayieko
Etyang, Martin N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJSBA
Abstract
Abstract
The climate affects maize production. Unpredictable rainfall timing,
frequency, duration, character, and distribution, particularly during the
growing season; rising temperatures exceeding the levels appropriate for
maize production; and high incidences of pests and diseases all contribute to
declining yields and increased food insecurity. The goal of the study was to
find out how much smallholder maize production in Kitui and Laikipia
counties was affected by changes in the weather. A questionnaire was used
to collect demographic and socioeconomic information from 397 smallholder
maize producers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
provided monthly temperature data in degrees Celsius derived from a
combination of Global Historical Climatology Network gridded version 4 and
Climate Anomaly Monitoring System datasets. The Centennial Trends version
1.0 precipitation dataset provided monthly rainfall data in millimeters. The
vulnerability index was created by combining the exposure, sensitivity, and
adaptive capacity indices derived through factor analysis. Drought, famine,
climatic changes, crop failure, and purchasing maize increased the
vulnerability of smallholder maize production, whereas less frequent water
fetching, increased maize yield, access to extension, input subsidies, fertilizer
expenditure, and the number of social groups decreased vulnerability.
According to the study, smallholder maize production in semi-arid lowland
areas was more vulnerable to climate variability than in highland areas. The
findings suggest that the national and county governments should monitor
vulnerability indicators at the national, county, sub-county, and ward levels
in order to inform the design and implementation of appropriate
vulnerability-reduction programs.
Description
Article
Keywords
Climate variability, Vulnerability, Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive capacity
Citation
Kabara, M. A., Onono–Okelo, P. A., & Etyang, M. N. (2022). Vulnerability of Smallholder Maize Production to Climate Variability in Selected Counties in Kenya. International Journal, 17(1), 78-94.