Challenges Faced by Smallholder Farmers in the Implementation of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability in the Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya

Abstract

Smallholder Farmers in Kenya have several challenges in implementing adaptation strategies due to the prevailing climate change and variability. It is unclear how various challenges have affected the farmers, especially in Evurore division, Embu County. Therefore, this paper examined the challenges smallholder farmers face in implementing adaptation strategies to climate variability in Kenya's arid and semi-arid areas. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of 50,620 people from 13,008 households in the Evurore division. A sample of 169 respondents was selected scientifically from the target population using the Yamane Taro formula. The sample population was also comprised of 17 key officials purposively chosen for the study. The study relied on primary and secondary data obtained using semi-structured questionnaires and published metrological data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and frequencies and regression analysis. The paper established that implementing the adaptation strategies has been minimal due to smallholder farmers' challenges, including a lack of training for smallholder farmers on climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, soil conservation, and water conservation. These challenges negatively influenced the farmer's adaptation strategies. This study used a regression model to determine the relationship between the smallholder farmers' perception of climate change and the adaptation strategies used to adapt to climate change. The study results indicate a significant positive correlation between challenges ( r = 0.068; p < 0.05). The paper recommended that the government, through agricultural extension officers, train farmers on the effective implementation of adaptive strategies in the region. Keywords: Climate Variability, Arid and semi-arid areas, Smallholder Farmers and Adaptation Strategies to Climate variability DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-3-05 Publication date: April 30 th 2023