Farmer Awareness of Climate Variability in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate fluctuates naturally on all time scales diurnally, seasonally, annually and decadally.  The short-medium term fluctuations around mean state on climate scales, is referred to as cli mate variability. Climate variability has negative impacts in most sectors of the economy such as in agricultural production. The severity of these impacts depends on the extent of adaptation as this has the potential to substantially reduce many of the adverse impacts. Studies indicate that people who perceive climate variability adapt better. This paper presents findings of a study conducted in Kakamega county, Kenya.  The study assessed farmer awareness of the indicators of climate variability through analyzing trends of recorded data of two climate variables, rainfall and temperature from 2001 to 2013 and triangulating with actual farmer perceptions. Four hundred (400) farmer respondents were used. The study adopted three designs; descriptive survey, correlational and evaluative. Semi structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informants Interviews (KIIs) and observation check lists were used to collect data. Analyses of rainfall and temperature records revealed seasonal variabilities in these climatic parameters. Regarding farmer perceptions, 79.1% and 61.1% respondents indicated they had observed an increase in rainfall (amount and intensity) and temperature respectively. They further cited the following derivative impacts (indicators) of variability in rainfall and Temperature: (i) prolonged dry spells and droughts; (ii) frequent and intense episodes of wet spells; (iii) increased frequency of storms and floods (iv) delayed or seasonal rainfall uncertainties (v) earlier onsets or cessation of seasonal rains and; (v) shifts in seasonal patterns especially in short rains ‘spilling' into the ordinarily dry periods. This implied a high level of awareness of climate variability amongst the farmers. The study concluded that farmers' perceptions of climate variability corresponded with the analysed climatic data. Whereas a majority of the farmers had perceived climate variability, a minority seemed not to have perceived these changes. This study thus proposed a further study to determine factors that influence the awareness. The study recommended policy options that promote an increased awareness through information dissemination as being crucial as this would  inform adaptation strategies.