The Perception of Farmers on Climate Change and Variability Patterns in the Nzoia River Basin, Kenya

Abstract

Global research experts have indicated that there is a growing trend in climate change and variability. Climate change has been altering the exposure of countries to weather related hazards, often exacerbating already existing vulnerabilities over the recent decades. Increasingly, the weather experienced then in terms of amounts of rainfall and temperature is no longer the same as it has always been over centuries based on previous records and scientific findings.   This paper sought to establish the perception of farmers on climate variability and patterns in the Nzoia River Basin, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive, and correlative research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and documented resource materials. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) whereas climatic data of rainfall and temperature from Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) and hectarage, and yield from the Ministry of Agriculture was analyzed using Microsoft excel. Results were presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. The study indicated that farmers had perceived an increase in temperature a decrease in rainfall, delay in onset of the rains, erratic and poor distribution of rainfall over the study period. The farmer’s perceptions on climate risk as a result of climate change and variability taking place in the basin has greatly influenced the cropping calendar, on-farm investments and decision-making in agricultural management and production negatively affecting yield of maize in the region.  The study recommends that the Government could help  to counteract the impact of climate change on agriculture by investing in research, soil conservation measures, technology, irrigation and water harvesting development, establishing local meteorology stations that will  give farmers relevant meteorological advice that will help them make informed farming options in each farming season.

Keywords: Climate change, Climate variability, Perception, Weather.