ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES TO AGRICULTURAL DROUGHT EFFECTS ON SMALL SCALE CROP PRODUCTION IN KAKAMEGA SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KAKAMEGA COUNTY

Abstract

This study was undertaken in Kakamega South Sub-County in Kakamega County where small-scale farmers depend on rain fed agriculture and over the years have had frequent crop failure due to seasonal drought. This study’s main objective was to establish adaptive strategies to agricultural drought effects on small scale crop production in Kakamega South Sub-county. The study established the evidence of climate change and agricultural drought on small scale crop production, determined the effects of agricultural drought on crop production and examined the adaptation strategies applied by small scale farmers to seasonal agricultural drought effects and challenges faced in Kakamega South Sub-county. Discrete Choice Model and Capability Theory was used in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative research design was used in the study as this catered for both qualitative and quantitative data. The study made use of primary data sources which included questionnaires, interview schedules, Focused Discussions Group (FDGs) and field observation to gather study information. Secondary data sources were publications from meteorological stations which were mainly rainfall and temperature trends for a period of at least 35 years (1985-2020). The sampling procedure was simple random sampling and a sample population of 377 households was sampled from a target population of 26,940 households using Krejcie and Morgan table. Purposive sampling was used to sample information from agricultural offices and meteorological stations to obtain detailed information on the study problem. The results of this study established that there was evidence of climate change and agricultural drought in Kakamega South sub-county as rainfall is positively correlated with humidity (r=0.834, p < 0.05). Humidity is negatively correlated with annual maize production (r= -0.869, p < 0.05) and annual average temperature (r= -0.813, p < 0.05). The study further showed that most of the respondents 96.1% agreed that there are effects of agricultural drought on agricultural produce and few respondents 3.9% disagreed with the statement. Most of the respondents 74.2% were affected by economic challenges, 15.5% faced social challenges while 8.7% geographical challenges and lastly1.6% by political challenges. Major adaptation methods used by small scale farmers were change of planting dates 61.3%, planting of drought tolerant crops 59.2%, protection of water catchment areas 54.0%, mulching for conserving soil moisture 56.4% and planting trees to reduce soil erosion 51.3%.The study established that small-scale farmers in the Kakamega South sub-county have implemented a variety of adaption tactics that are hampered by a number of obstacles. The study concluded that in order to improve the sustainability of crop production in the Kakamega South sub-county, rain-fed farming should be supplemented with drip irrigation, rain water gathering, and greenhouse techniques. In conclusion, the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Agriculture should work together to provide farmers in Kakamega South sub-county with up-todate, accurate weather reports and personalized weather forecasts and warnings. This will enable farmers on the smaller scale to acquire tools they will need to adopt sustainable methods to the effects of agricultural drought. This will make them to be more resilient and less vulnerable to the effects of agricultural drought.