Determinants of Adoption of Indigenous Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation among the Tharaka People in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study envisaged establishing the factors affecting adoption of indigenous climate change adaptation strategies in Kenya. The study would help in proper targeting of adaptation measures among Kenyas’ indigenous communities and avoid past trends where adopted measures have often failed. The study uses descriptive research design based on a three-stage multi-stage sampling design with data being collected from primary and secondary sources. Data analysis was done using the Spearman’s rank correlation analysis and various qualitative methods. The study found out that indigenous people have experienced a serious reduction in rainfall and changes in rainfall patterns. There has been an increase in temperature and the length of dry periods. Wind strengths and speeds have also increased. These have had various negative impacts on their livelihoods. The study established that perception of climate change has a significant positive relationship with adoption of indigenous adaptation strategies. Socioeconomic factors of age, local experience, income level, income diversity and land size were found to have a positive significant association while education and household dependency had a negative significant relationship with adoption. Household size and gender had no significant relationship. Institutional factors such as information access, market access, credit access, participation and membership to social networks were found to have a positive significant relationship with adoption of indigenous climate change adaptation strategies. Individualization of land tenure was also found to negatively affect adoption. Access to extension services had a significant negative relationship with adoption. The study recommends the need to orient climate change adaptation measures on the perceptions and strategies of indigenous people taking cognizance of their underlying factors. Prior assessments before undertaking adaptation actions are thus recommended.