Exploration of the Indigenous Farming Practices Used by Local Farmers for Adaptation to Climate Change in Lower Nyakach Division

Abstract

Adaptive strategies have been employed by farmers in developed countries to mitigate effects of climate change and to enhance food security. Most households in rural areas of Kenya still face food insecurity and there is no evidence that local farmers have adopted appropriate farming practices to cope with climate change effects. The general objective of the study was to explore the indigenous farming practices for adaptation to climate change in Lower Nyakach Division. Specific objectives were to: examine the level of awareness of climate change; explore the indigenous farming practices, and to assess the effectiveness of the indigenous farming practices in adaptation to climate change effects. Descriptive cross-sectional design was used on a target population of 2504 household stratified in 4 sub locations. The sample size comprised 10% of the target population as recommended by Gay & Diehl (1992), representing 250 households. Data was collected using structured questionnaire from household heads. It was found that farmers were aware of common short and inconsistent patterns of rainfall, and floods in the recent past accompanied with strange diseases like Miguna Miguna and invasion of army worms. Multi cropping, intensive weeding, planting early maturing crops, and applying manure on the farms are some of the indigenous farming practices engaged in for adaptation to climate change. These practices have not helped the farmers much in adaptation to climate change, leading to losses in farm produce. It is recommended that extension officers should use village barazas to disseminate climate change information, and that capital support be availed to farmers to enhance their capabilities. Further studies should be done on contribution of radio broadcasts on adaptation to climate change, and effect of climate information flow on adaptation practices to climate change.