An assessment of climate change coping strategies that influence vegetation distribution within communities in Kaloleni Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change coping strategies play a major role in curbing the effects of climatic shocks especially amongst communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS. The study revealed that there are various coping mechanisms applied by smallholder farmers in Kaloleni Sub County. These include marrying off daughters in order to get money for food purchase, stealing food from farm, water vending getting women to work outside home against traditions among others. Preferred coping methods include; use of waste water, livestock sales, wood and charcoal trade. In order to cope with change in biodiversity, use of old mosquito nets to protect free ranged chicken from the emergent black Indian crow was used and commercial tree planting adopted. To cope with rainfall variability, use of zai pits, fertility pits and water pan establishment is on the increase. Purposive sampling was employed in the selection of community and stakeholder representatives who participated in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth key informants’ interviews. Arc-Gis v 9.1 and Erdas software were used to analyze Landsat Thematic Mapper ™ imageries of Kaya Forests: Kambe, Bomu and Fungo for years 1991, 2003 and 2011. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained using various methods: descriptive statistics (mean median) inferential statistics (cross tabulations) and correlations. Shifting forward of the start of the rainy season from March to May was the major climatic factor that led to late planting in June. The main coping strategy adopted to curb food insecurity was wood fuel harvesting and charcoal burning for sale. It was recommended that use of alternative source of energy and sale of Aloe and Neem products would be appropriate for livelihood diversification. Food processing plants and food banks to be established within an appropriate buffer zone for accessibility. The research findings herein would help Researchers, small holder farmers, Agriculture and Forest extension providers in decision making with regard to factors influencing the choice of coping strategies on the vagaries of climate change.