PERCEPTION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILIT

Abstract

Climate change and variability have been identified globally as a major challenge to food security especially in Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASALs). Agriculture and smallholder farmers have also been identified as the most vulnerable, mainly due to the former being rain-fed and the latter having inadequate adaptive capacity to the dynamics of climate change and variability. This study, therefore, sought to determine the social-economic factors that influence the adoption of adaptation strategies of climate change and variability, among smallholder farmers in Igambang’ombe Sub- County, Tharaka Nithi County. Descriptive research design was applied. Systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents and a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions was used for data collection. Observations and interviews were carried out, while systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents. Correlation analysis was used to assess which socio- economic factors influenced the adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. Some of the adaptation strategies considered included; accessed weather information Ox-ploughing and herbicide use for preparation, terracing and intercropping, crop and variety diversification The study showed that age (42%), farmer’s farming experience (40%), and level of education of the household head (24%), were the key factors influencing the adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. Adaptation was also associated to access and frequency of extension services. Access to farm subsidy and credit was also important. Farmers and agriculture stakeholders needed to upscale training, guided by specific socio-economic farmer characteristics.