Analysis of Coping Strategies Adopted by Smallscale Farmers due to Climate Change Hazardsin Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change impacts food production and hence food security, negatively affecting Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) areas. 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. 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. The findings showed strong positive influence at 5% levels of significance, between the selected variables (Age β1.34P:0.003, Education level β=2.11 P: 0.01,Access to climate info β =0.48P : 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.The findings of the present study are significant to the County government of Baringo and Kenyan Governments in coming up with appropriate interventions for coping with climate change and policy development, to cushion the local communities against the effects.