Post on 01-Jan-2016
Effects of climate change and variability on agricultural activities and the coping
strategies in Kajiado North Sub-County
Climate change and variability is a major threat
facing humanity in the 21st century especially to
persons living in ASAL ecosystems since these
changes threaten food security in these areas.
This study was done; i) To determine the
perceptions on climate change and variability, ii)
to investigate the effects of
climate change and variability on agricultural
activities and iii) to assess coping and adaptation
mechanisms to climate change and variability.
Data collection was done using semi structured
questionnaire administered to a total of 80
respondents, 50 in Ongata Rongai and 40 in South
Keekonyokie based on the population data. SPSS
was used to analyze data. From the study, climate
change awareness was 90% and this can be
attributed to higher levels of education among the
sampled respondents. Also, major impacts on
agricultural activities were reduced yields in South
Keekonyokie
(46%) and high food prices (94.4%) in Ongata
Rongai. This can be attributed to varying economic
activities between the regions. While most of the
residents in South Keekonyokie practised small
holder farming, Ongata Rongai residents were
mostly formally employed. The adaptation
measures used also
varied depending on the economic activities.
Ongata Rongai residents practiced rainwater
harvesting (62%) while South Keekonyokie
residents used agroforestry and drought tolerant
crop varieties (60%). From the study it is clear that
the residents are aware of climate change and
these changes have had
adverse negative impacts on their agricultural
activities hence they have certain adaptation
measures they use to cope. However majority of
them use a single coping strategy and therefore
there is need for education and awareness
creation on the use of a combination of coping
strategies. Further, more research should be done
to promote local adaptation mechanisms and
encourage alternative livelihoods.
Key words: climate change, climate
variability, coping strategies