Analysis of Coping Strategies Adopted by Smallscale Farmers due to Climate Change Hazardsin Baringo County, Kenya
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Abstract
Introduction: Climate change has adverse effects on food production, leading to detrimental consequences for food security, particularly in regions characterized as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The focus of this study was to find out strategies used by small-scale farmers to cope with climate change hazard in Lembus-Perkerra Ward, Baringo County, ASAL region vulnerable to climatic hazards hence a suitable site for the study. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 2and 13, many researchers have been conducted on climate change but little has been documented in the study area on climate change coping strategies against its effects. Therefore, the objective of present study was to identify coping strategies that have been adapted by farmers within the study area and assess the farmers perception in regards to climate change.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted for this study, where 191 questionnaires were administered to household heads, and a Focus Group Discussion with key informants (2 agriculture officers) and five lead farmers from farmer groups were conducted to establish sufficient strategies corresponding to climate change situations.
Results: The findings showed strong positive influence at 5% levels of significance, between the selected variables (Age β1.34 P=0.003, Education level β=2.11 P=0.01, Access to climate info β =0.48 P=0.031,Access to extension services β=1.71 P=0.19 and Membership to farmer group β=1.02 P=0.008 shows positive significance to farmers’ perception of climate change situations n. The gender of the household head and household size were insignificant in relation to farmers perception.
Conclusion: The results of this study hold considerable importance for both the Baringo County government and the Kenyan government with provide valuable insights for designing effective measures to address the challenges posed by climate change and for crafting policies that can protect local communities from its impacts.
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