| dc.description.abstract | Climate change and climate variability threaten global food security, especially in sub
Saharan Africa, where agriculture is central to income generation and the economy.
Nyamira County in Kenya, despite its high agricultural potential, experiences
challenges arising from climate change and climate variability. The overall objective
was to examine climate-smart agriculture and its implications on food security among
small-scale farmers in Nyamira County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to
determine rainfall and temperature trends and patterns on food security among small
scale farmers in Nyamira County, determine the existing Climate Smart Agriculture
practices among small-scale farmers in Nyamira County, examine the influence of
climate-smart agriculture practices on food security among small-scale farmers in
Nyamira County and evaluate the effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture practices in
enhancing food security among small-scale farmers in Nyamira County. The study
adopted descriptive, correlation, and evaluation research designs, with a sample size of
384 households selected through a multistage sampling approach. Data collection
methods included questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), observation
checklists, and structured interview schedules. Secondary data was gathered from
various sources such as the internet, journals, publications, and document analyses.
Climate data for Nyamira station was obtained from the Kenya Meteorological
Department (KMD). These data were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test analysis for
the various seasons (MAM, JJA, SON, and DJF). Quantitative data was analyzed using
the Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 25, while qualitative data was
summarized through narrative analysis. Inferential statistics involved Pearson Chi
Square tests, correlation, and logistic regression model analyses. The study findings
revealed that the rainfall trends for Nyamira station covering the seasons MAM (y =
0.2769x + 177.3), SON (y = 2.2095x + 104.43), and JJA (y = 0.109x + 131.63) were
increasing. The station exhibited statistically significant trends in maximum and
minimum temperatures (p-value < 0.05). The second objective revealed that mixed
cropping at 20.50% (230), crop rotation at 15.15% (170), organic farming at 10.52%
(118), and cover cropping at 7.93% (89) had a significant influence on the food security
of the small-scale farmers (p<0.05). Conversely, agroforestry 14.53% (163), drought
resistant crops 7.49% (84), water harvesting 13.10% (147), and integrated soil fertility
management 7.31% (82) did not exhibit a significant influence (p-value > 0.05). The
logistic regression model showed a statistically significant χ2 = 20.267, p < 0.05,
between CSA practices and food security. On effectiveness, over 50% of respondents
perceived mixed cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, traditional crop varieties,
organic farming, and cover cropping as either effective or highly effective strategies.
However, traditional weather forecasting and pest control methods were perceived as
ineffective. The study revealed that different CSA practices have varying effectiveness
in enhancing household food security. The study recommends that the two levels of
government strengthen the extension services to improve upscaling of CSA practices in
Nyamira County. This will help small-scale farmers to adapt to changing climatic
conditions and ensure long-term food security. | en_US |
