Adapting to climate change in Kenya. A case study of Ndeiya division, Kiambu county

Abstract

Over the years, climate change has been taking place and is presently a reality that has hit hard all spheres of development. In Kenya Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs) that accounts for an exceeding eighty percent of the total land mass, have suffered greatly due to climate change. This study sought to assess how small holder farmers are adapting to the negative effects of climate change in Ndeiya Division, Kiambu County. This study assessed the farmers' perceptions, impacts of climate change, adaptation measures adopted by the small holder farmers and the farmers' socio-economic factors that influence the adoption of certain adaptation strategies. The study employed a case study research design and used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary data was collected using interview schedules and key informant interview guides. Secondary data was obtained from existing literature in libraries and internet. Data on socio-economic characteristics of the farmers was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of frequencies and percentages in tables and charts. Data on farmers' climate perceptions was analyzed through opinion scale and presented as percentages in tables and charts. Finally, data on socio-economic factors that influence the decision of coping strategies was analysed using descriptive statistics and running of Chi Square test of independence to establish their association with climate adaptation strategies and presented in tables. The study findings revealed high level of awareness on climate variation among farmers. Farmers perceived climate change as an increase in drought frequency, reduction in rainfall, change in temperature and change in precipitation. The study identified loss of crops and animals and shortage of water as key impacts of climate change. Farmers have adopted various climate adaptation strategies for crop and animal production that include: Planting variety of crops, soil cover/ „Farming God's Way‟, making and use of organic manure, kitchen gardening and planting of drought tolerant crops, stocking of crop residues, rearing of small animals and planting of napier grass. The study also found out that age and group membership are socio-economic characteristics of a farmer that played a key role in their choice of adaptation strategy. To enhance higher adoption of adaptation strategies, the study recommends intensified capacity building of farmers at the farm level, increased awareness of climate adaptation measures through media (local or vernacular radio and TV stations) and increased community support by government and non-state agencies on water harvesting increase uptake of dry land farming