EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL PROTECTION INTERVENTIONS IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AMONG SELF-HELP GROUPS IN SOUTH KABRAS KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The National Adaptation Plan and the Kenya Climate Act of 2016 have significantly enhanced opportunities for climate change adaptation, particularly for vulnerable populations in Kenya. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are recognized as crucial agents of change in adaptation efforts, yet inequalities in access to resources and distribution of opportunities continue to exacerbate climate-related vulnerabilities for marginalized groups. This study assessed the effectiveness of social protection (SP) interventions in fostering climate change adaptation among SHGs in South Kabras, Kakamega County, Kenya. Specifically, it aimed to: identify the nature of SP interventions adopted by SHGs; evaluate the extent to which these interventions address structural vulnerabilities; and examine the challenges and opportunities in implementing adaptive SP measures. Guided by the Empowerment Theory of Perkins and Zimmerman (1995) and Ecofeminism Theory by Françoise d’Eaubonne (1994), the study employed a descriptive research design and correlation analysis. A sample of 302 SHG members was drawn from a population of 1,240, complemented by 15 purposively selected key informants. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides, analyzed through descriptive, inferential, and thematic methods. The study’s reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha, while content validity was enhanced through feedback-driven refinement of tools. Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between SP interventions—categorized as provisional, preventive, promotive, and transformative—and climate change adaptation (R = 0.959; p = 0.001; F = 228.186; p = 0.000). Challenges such as inequitable resource access and funding limitations were identified, alongside opportunities to leverage SHGs for equitable and sustainable adaptation measures. This study highlights the critical role of SP interventions in addressing structural vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience to climate change, offering insights for policymakers to strengthen grassroots adaptation strategies. On extent of social protection addressing structural vulnerability result revealed that 26.9% of the respondents could not negotiate with external resources, non-access to land title deeds which enables them to improve infrastructure and diversify livelihoods. According to the study's findings, adaptive social protection initiatives may help SHG members become more resilient to the effects of climate change. However, because various groups have varied adaptation needs, this study suggests that the present ASP be restructured to make it more need specific. The study also suggests that academic programs should highlight the ethical aspects of climate justice education since climate change makes already-existing socioeconomic disparities worse. This will prepare future social workers to advocate for policies that address the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities. The study further recommends a repression of barriers in access to adaptive social protection interventions. The study findings may be adopted by policy makers to enhance the capacities of Self- Help Groups in climate change adaptation.