Factors Influencing Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies among Small-Scale Farmers in Kitui County, Kenya

Climate variability poses a major challenge for small holder rain fed agricultural production with a relatively greater impact on small scale farmers worldwide. Kitui County, Kenya, particularly remains relatively less focused on climate change and farmer understanding of climate variability response strategies. This study sought to assess variability in climate (rainfall and temperature) in Kitui County from 1980-2012 and assess influence of household socio-economic factors on farmer’s level of knowledge on climate variability adaptation techniques. The study also investigated the challenges faced by farmers in applying climate variability adaptation techniques. To achieve the objectives outlined above, a survey design was employed and a sample of 387 respondents selected. Majority of the respondents were small scale farmers in Kitui County. Questionnaires were designed and administered to the selected subjects to solicit data on climate adaptation techniques and socioeconomic factors influencing farmers’ knowledge levels on climate variability adaptation techniques. Data were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results discussed and presented in tables, charts and graphs. The study found that climate has over the years varied with temperatures having increased by 2⁰C in the 1980s and early 1990s. The rainfall has reduced to less than 600mm with the lowest rainfall (226mm) being recorded in 2006. This implies that the Kitui County is becoming drier and hotter. These findings were ascertained by majority of the respondents (91.1%) who agreed that rainfall patterns had varied in the last ten years. The study found that there were no significant differences on how local farmers adapted to the changes in climate with regard to income, age and even ownership of land. An exception however, was on education levels with the study finding significant statistical differences (p<0.005) on how farmers with different levels of education adapted to climatic variability and change.