Climate Change Effects on Crop Production in Yatta Sub-county: Farmer Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

In Yatta sub-County, a semi-arid land, there is scanty information on the causes and effects of climate change, as well as agricultural adaptation strategies. This scanty information assessment of climate related risks, and decision making about appropriate adaptation measures. A survey was conducted in two wards of Yatta, Kenya, to identify opportunities for building farmer capacity in dealing with climate variability. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to 60 households randomly distributed in the two wards and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Results showed that farmers in the region were aware of climate change (98%) with the known indicators reported to be erratic and low rainfall (50%), drought (33%), and rising temperatures (14%). Farmers mentioned deforestation (73%) as the main cause of climate change, and reported major impacts on crop production in the region, such as the introduction of drought tolerant crops (45%) reduced yields (43%) and changes in planting time (38%). As a result, farmers prepared the land early using organic and inorganic fertilizers, planted early-maturing crop varieties and carried out water and soil conservation practices. Even though farmers in Yatta sub–county are aware of climate change its impacts and different coping and adaptation strategies, crop production in the region continues to decline. There is need, therefore, to increase farmer’s capacity to better adapt to the effects of climate change to ensure sustainable agricultural production and improved food security.