Browsing by Author "Ochieng, Justus"

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Adapting to climate variability and change in rural Kenya: farmer perceptions, strategies and climate trends
(Egerton University, 2016) Ochieng, Justus; Kirimi, Lilian; Makau, Joyce
Climate change has had a significant impact on rain-fed agricultural production in developing countries. Smallholder farmers are the most vulnerable, and currently must make production decisions in a high risk and uncertain environment with regard to rainfall and temperature. This paper uses climate and household survey data to analyse farmer perceptions regarding climate change, adaptation measures taken in response to these changes, and how well these perceptions correlate with meteorological data in Kenya. We find that a significant number of farmers perceive climate change as real, and that they are particularly concerned about changes in rainfall and temperature. Changing crop varieties is predominantly used as an adaptation measure since extension messages often encourage adoption of drought-resistant varieties. Major factors influencing farmer perceptions include age of the farmer, which is often associated with more farming experience and subsequent extension service. Except in low potential zones, farmers’ perceptions of climatic variability are in line with climatic data records. Better education, access to extension messages, farm size and credit facilities are necessary for farmers to decide to adapt to climate change. The paper further assesses barriers to the adoption of various adaptation strategies, and lack of finances and knowledge have been found to inhibit adaptation response within the smallholder farming sector. Findings imply that effective adaptation to threats posed by climate variability and change requires a multi-dimensional collaborative approach, with different stakeholders playing key roles in providing support services in terms of education, extension, credit and meteorological information.
Effects of climate variability and change on agricultural production:The case of small scale farmers in Kenya.
(Egerton University, 2016-03) Ochieng, Justus; Kirimi, Lilian; Mathenge, Mary
tAgriculture is the mainstay of the Kenyan economy, contributing to food security and employment ofrural households. Climate variability and change have adversely affected this sector and the situation isexpected to worsen in the future. We estimate the effect of climate variability and change on revenuefrom all crops, maize and tea separately, using a household fixed effects estimator. We find that climatevariability and change affects agricultural production but effects differ across crops. Temperature has anegative effect on crop and maize revenues but a positive one on tea, while rainfall has a negative effect ontea. We find that tea relies on stable temperatures and consistent rainfall patterns and any excess wouldnegatively affect production. Temperature has a greater impact on crop production than rainfall. Climatechange will adversely affect agriculture in 2020, 2030 and 2040 with greater effects in the tea sector.Therefore, rethinking the likely harmful effects of rising temperatures and increasing rainfall uncertaintyshould be a priority in Kenya. Implementing adaptation measures at national, county and farm levels aswell as putting in place policies that prevent destruction of the natural environment will assist to addressthe challenges posed by climate variability and change.