Spatial and Temporal Occurrence and Effects of Droughts on Crop Yields in Kenya

Abstract

Increase in drought frequency, magnitude and duration affect crop production in Kenya. The limited food production resulting from drought leads to food insecurity in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in the Kenya. This study reviewed literature on drought trends and its effects on crop yields in Kenya from 1950 to 2020. The systematic review was conducted in order to establish the drought trends and the effects of droughts on crop yields in the country. Content analysis was used for literature review on drought trends and its effects on maize, sorghum and wheat production in Kenya. From the study, a high uncertainty in global-scale drought trends in the last 60 years was established. However, an increase in drought frequency was observed from 1950 to 2002 in Africa. Few drought events were experienced in 1950s with a notable positive trend in drought frequency observed in 1960s in Kenya. In 1970s, an increased frequency and severity of droughts were observed while a decline in drought frequency was noted in 1980s. More frequent and severe droughts in Kenya were also established to have occurred in 1990s and 2000s. However, a decline in drought frequency and severity was reported in 2010s. The severity of the droughts negatively affected crop production where food insecurity was experienced in different regions of the country. The study also found that drought leads to famine and loss of human lives. Loss of livelihood such as livestock was also identified. The study identified limited information on decadal causes and recurrence of droughts and inadequate explanation on why 1950 to 2020 experienced global uncertainty in drought occurrence.