Adaptive Capacity and Socioeconomic Factors that Influence Small-Scale Maize Farmers Response to Climate Variability in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
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Date
2024-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
The agriculture industry is at risk due to the worldwide challenge of climate variations.
Given its excessive dependence on weather patterns, agriculture is quite susceptible to
climate variability. Maize farming faces a threat due to its vulnerability to changes in
climate. To lessen susceptibility and increase farmers' ability to adapt, intentional actions
must therefore be pursued. The choice of adaptation strategies is paramount among other
factors in cushioning maize farmers from adverse climate variability shocks.
The study aimed to find out how socioeconomic variables affects small scale maize
farmers selection of adaptation tactics, which in turn affects their ability to adjust to
climate variability in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The objective of the study sought to
examine rainfall and temperature trends from 1989–2019 in Uasin Gishu County. The
study also identified the methods small-scale maize farmers employ to adapt to climate
unpredictability in Uasin Gishu County. The study looked at the socioeconomic variables
that affected farmers’ choices of adaptation strategies. Additionally, the determinants of
the adaptive capacity of small-scale maize farmers were assessed. The study employed a
descriptive survey design, collecting data through the use of questionnaires. There were
394 small-scale maize farmers in the study's sample. The Kenya Meteorological
Department provided temperature and rainfall data from 1989 to 2019 to determine
variability. Decadal rainfall (F = 1.994767, p = 0.155599), mean maximum temperature
(F = 2.537521, p = 0.097758) and mean minimum temperature (F = 3.089715, p =
0.061899) varied, according to the findings of the ANOVA test. Linear regression
indicated an increase in rainfall (R2 = +0.1417) and increased temperatures (R2 =
+0.0484). The hypothesis that stated H01: There is no significant variation in rainfall and
temperature from 1989–2019 was accepted since there was no statistically significant
change in rainfall and temperature patterns. Agroforestry, dry planting, water harvesting,
conservation of soil moisture, adjusting crop varieties and planting dates, among other
adaptation strategies were employed by the respondents. Nonetheless, adjusting planting
dates was the most chosen adaptation tactic. Multivariate linear regression analysis
showed land size (p = 0.010), education (p = 0.05), gender (p = 0.003) and age (p =
0.006) having a statistical significance to the choice of adaptation strategies. The
hypothesis that suggested H02: there was no significant association between
socioeconomic status and the choice of climate variability adaption tactics was disproved.
Gender (p = 0.036) and land size (p = 0.00) influenced the remittances received. Access
to labour had a significant relationship with household size (p = 0.013) and income (p =
0.010). Education level (p = 0.002) was significantly related to the maize variety chosen.
The area of land owned and the number of years spent on farming influenced access to
disaster relief and aid. There was a notable weak institutional capacity where government
subsidies and disaster relief were lacking. In order for small-scale farmers to effectively
adjust to the consequences of climatic variability, investments in enhancing their adaptive
capacity are required. To strengthen their ability and to give farmers appropriate
institutional support, the study recommends more collaboration between relevant
government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based groups.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Environmental Studies (Climate Change and Sustainability) in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences of Kenyatta University May, 2024
Supervisors:
1. Michael K. Koech
2. Evelyn Wemali