Climate shocks, perceptions and coping options in Semi-Arid Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess farmers’ awareness, perceptions and coping options to deal with climate change shocks in semi-arid Kenya. Household heads who have been farming in the study areas for the last 15–20 years were identified by village leaders. By random selection, 100 households (in Gachoka division–Mbeere district) and 69 households (in Lare division–Nakuru district) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The household data was analysed using SPSS—a statistical package to establish levels of responses on each issue of climate change. The results indicated that over 90% of respondents have noticed changes in climatic patterns over the last 20 years. They have experienced increasing average temperatures, decreasing average annual rainfall and variable rainfall patterns, while incidences of malaria and animal diseases are on rise. These events are closely linked to the severe droughts of 1984 and 2006–2009 and too much rainfall in 1997/1998 and 2004. These had a negative impact on the livelihood systems of the vulnerable farming community. This data indicated that most farmers tended to adopt technologies/strategies that are related to crop production than to livestock farming. Few respondents did not perceive the critical role of soil and water management as a coping option for climate shocks. Failure to do nothing to climate shocks by over 30% of respondents in Mbeere district is worrying. Inadequate technical information and capital/credit sources hindered widespread adoption of different types of soil-improving fertilisers, change in planting dates and taking crop/livestock insurance against climate variability.