Abstract
Maize is the leading food crop produced in most parts of the world and a staple food crop in Kenya. Majority of the maize farmers are smallholders due to reduced land sizes as a result of land fragmentation. Maize farming is rain-fed making it more vulnerable to rainfall variability. Over the years, the farmers have increased their resilience and adaptive potential through indigenous knowledge so as to cope with the climate related risks. However, the increasing rainfall variability, frequency and more severe shocks likely surpass their current adaptive strategies. The study assessed existing adaptive strategies of the small-holder maize farmers in Kieni East sub-County in Nyeri Couny to the seasonal rainfall variability effects. The research adopted a mixed research design. Data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained using household structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive methods and presented using charts and tables. SWOT analysis analyzed several underlying aspects affecting maize farmers in the sub-County. The study found that the farmers have several specific adaptive strategies to the effects of seasonal rainfall variability at their disposal which include but not limited to the use of varieties of maize seeds, seeking training, water harvesting, use of manure and fertilizers. Farmers also respond to rainfall variability by planting maize varieties that are early maturing and drought resistant as well as engaging in alternative farming activities and other economic activities.
Highlights
Maize is the leading food crop produced in most parts of the world and a staple food crop in Kenya
Climate variability will continue to be an issue for rural communities that rely on agricultural production
Drought impacts in arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs), which are especially vulnerable to climate change and home to 30% of the country's population, are given special attention [17] and where Kieni East sub-County in Nyeri County is situated
Summary
Technical advancements have given farmers the ability to adjust to climate circumstances over time Depending on their long-term experiences and subjective assessments of risks, farm households continuously develop adaptive strategies to environmental and socioeconomic changes as part of their production and consumption decisions [52]. Increased temperatures coupled with erratic rainfall and uncertainties about the onset of the rains have significant implications for the livelihoods of millions of people [11] Without appropriate adaptation, this variability will exacerbate current vulnerabilities and present challenges for many rural households [22]. Households within the same geographical location use different adaptation strategies in response to climate variability due to their capability [30] These measures exist on paper, the majority of Kenya's smallholder farmers have yet to reap the rewards. The findings are extremely aggregated, and the examined criteria are of limited use to local adaptation planners or farmers
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