Climate Adaptive Practices and Women Participation in Meru County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Ruguaru, Christine Nkatha | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-11T10:40:52Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-11T10:40:52Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11 | |
| dc.description | A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University. November 2025 Supervisor Wilson Muna | |
| dc.description.abstract | The influence of climate adaptive practices and the challenges for women participation is yet to receive comprehensive attention in the academic field. Women remain vulnerable to many challenges due to the key role they play when it comes to farming and the overall food provision in their households. This study was anchored on the Gender and Development (GAD) theory, social ecological model (SEM), and feminist theory. These theories champion gender-sensitive climate change resilience, thereby enhancing women's capabilities in the construction of climate-resilient agriculture. A sample size of 395 was selected from a population of 30429 using the Slovin model. A pilot study was conducted in Gatimbi ward. This study employed descriptive research design to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) as well as inferential statistics using multivariate regression model, Pearson Correlation coefficient, ANOVA and f-test. Qualitative data was collected by use of interview guides for Key Informant interviewees included agricultural extension officers and farmers group leaders. Resultant qualitative data was analyzed by thematic analysis where the data theme was coded and interpreted for meaning. Additionally, an observation checklist was used to complement the questionnaire. This research adhered to research ethics as established by Kenyatta University. Research approval was sought from KU, NACOSTI and other relevant bodies. This study concluded that the participation of female-headed households in climate-smart agriculture in Meru County is significantly influenced by a combination of household-level empowerment and external support systems. The findings confirm that decision-making power, access to credit, market linkages, and agricultural extension services are all vital enablers. The study recommends that the policy makers should facilitate alternative lending models for female farmers lacking traditional collateral. It also recommends that agricultural extension services should be expanded and tailored to meet the specific needs and schedules of female farmers. Additionally, the study recommends that National and County governments and non-governmental organizations should invest more in strengthening farmer cooperatives to improve market access and that there is a need to ensure that the legal frameworks are implemented to formalize women's land tenure rights to increase their economic decision-making power | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32360 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Climate Adaptive Practices and Women Participation in Meru County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |