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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 19, No. 1, 2019, pp. 14010-14042
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Bioline Code: nd19010
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2019, pp. 14010-14042
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Climate Change Effects on Crop Production in Yatta sub-County: Farmer Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies
Agesa, B.L.; Onyango, C.M.; Kathumo, V.M.; Onwonga, R.N. & Karuku, G.N.
Abstract
In Yatta sub-County, a semi-arid land, there is scanty information on the causes and
effects of climate change, as well as agricultural adaptation strategies. This scanty
information assessment of climate related risks, and decision making about appropriate
adaptation measures. A survey was conducted in two wards of Yatta, Kenya, to identify
opportunities for building farmer capacity in dealing with climate variability. A semi-structured
questionnaire was administered to 60 households randomly distributed in the
two wards and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists
(SPSS). Results showed that farmers in the region were aware of climate change (98%)
with the known indicators reported to be erratic and low rainfall (50%), drought (33%),
and rising temperatures (14%). Farmers mentioned deforestation (73%) as the main
cause of climate change, and reported major impacts on crop production in the region,
such as the introduction of drought tolerant crops (45%) reduced yields (43%) and
changes in planting time (38%). As a result, farmers prepared the land early using
organic and inorganic fertilizers, planted early-maturing crop varieties and carried out
water and soil conservation practices. Even though farmers in Yatta sub–county are
aware of climate change its impacts and different coping and adaptation strategies, crop
production in the region continues to decline. There is need, therefore, to increase
farmer’s capacity to better adapt to the effects of climate change to ensure sustainable
agricultural production and improved food security.
Keywords
Agricultural production; Climate Change; Arid and Semi-Arid Lands; Adaptation to climate change
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