Factors Influencing Knowledge Levels of Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies among Small-Scale Farmers in Kitui County, Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
MULYUNGI, LENAH MUTINDI
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Climate variability poses as a major challenge for small holder rain fed agricultural
production with a relatively greater impact on small scale farmers worldwide. Despite
this, adoption of climate variability coping strategies remain low. Strategies such as
water harvesting techniques through use of terraces, Zai pits, drip irrigation, agroforestry
and conservation tillage continue to be fronted as possible climate adaptation
options for small holder farmers. However, research into levels of knowledge of these
strategies among farmers is relatively scarce. Kitui County, Kenya, particularly remains
relatively less focused on climate change and fanner understanding of climate
variability response strategies. This study sought to assess variability of climatic factors
of rainfall and temperature in Kitui County from 1980-2012 and assess influence of
household socio-economic factors on fanner's level of knowledge on climate
variability adaptation techniques. The study also investigated the challenges faced by
farmers in applying climate variability adaptation techniques. To achieve the objectives
outlined above, a survey design was employed and a sample of 387 respondents
selected. Majority of the respondents were small scale farmers in Kitui County.
Questionnaires were designed and administered to the selected subjects to solicit data
on climate adaptation techniques and socioeconomic factors influencing farmers'
knowledge levels on climate variability adaptation techniques. Rainfall and temperature
data were collected from the Kenya Meteorological department (number 9137089) and
analysed to establish variation patterns in temperature and rainfall parameters. Data
were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results
discussed and presented in tables, charts and graphs. The study found that climate has
over the years varied with temperatures having increased by 2°C in the 1980s and early
1990s. The rainfall has reduced to less than 600mm with the lowest rainfall (226mm)
being recorded in 2006. This implies that the Kitui County is increasingly becoming
drier and hotter. These findings were further ascertained by majority of the respondents
(91.1%)!fwho agreed that rainfall patterns had varied in the last ten years and that were
warmer ~ignificantly over the past ten years. The study however found that there were
no significant differences on how local farmers adapted to the changes in climate with
regard to income, age and even ownership of land. An exception however, was on
education levels with the study finding significant statistical differences (p<0.005) on
how farmers with different levels of education adapted to climatic variability and
change. Highly educated farmers adapted more coping strategies than those who had
very little education. The study noted lack of information on how to mitigate against
effects of climatic change, lack of good eqLifpment, high cost of adopting some
strategies among others pose serious challenges that hinder adoption of climate coping
strategies. To enable farmers effectively mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of
change of climate, the study recommends that farmers be sensitised .and informed on
climatic change and coping mechanisms through agricultural extension services and
capacity building programmes.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Environmental Studies (Climate Change And Sustainability)in the School of Environmental Studies Of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Knowledge, Climate, Variability, Adaptation, Small-Scale Farmers