Analysis of Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability in Kyawango Location, Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

This research was conducted at Kyawango location in Machakos County which is located in the lower Eastern side of Kenya. The aim of the study was to analyse local farmers' adaptation strategies in the Kyawango region due to the effects of climate variability and change for at least 20 years, between the year 2000 and 2020 or beyond. The study objectives were to assess the rural farmers’ knowledge of climate variability in the study area, determine the effects of climate variability on the livelihoods of local farmers in the study area, assess the various strategies used by farmers to adapt to effects of climate variability in the study area and examine the challenges faced by farmers in adapting to climate variability in the study area. The null hypotheses of the research were stated as follows: 1H0: There is no significant difference between farmers’ knowledge on climate variability and adaptation to climate variability, 2H0: There is no significant difference between effects of climate variability on livelihoods and adaptation to climate variability, 3H0: There is no significant difference between the challenges faced by the rural farmers and adaptation to climate variability. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus groups, photography and observation while secondary data was obtained from various publications and existing materials. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were used, which included descriptive and inferential statistics, and were presented using pie charts, frequency tables and graphs. The hypotheses of the study were tested using chi-square to test the difference between variables. Climate Variability involves short-term variations in climate which last longer than an individual weather event while Climate Change is long term and may extend to several decades. The study findings indicate that CV, which is indicated by variations in rainfall and temperature, has affected the livelihoods with farmers registering low yields, increased crop and livestock pests and diseases, drying up of water sources and migration to other areas. The farmers adapt to these effects by planting drought resistant crops, building water harvesting schemes, soil conservation, irrigation, reduction of livestock numbers, diversification to non-farming activities and change of planting dates. The study concludes that farmers of Kyawango have been adapting to climate variability although the responses are not robust due to the challenges faced in the area. The study recommends that the government and NGOs should come up with programs to educate the locals on effective adaptation measures. Also, programs to provide more capital and other resources such as farm inputs and water resources should be constructed to help in adaptation.