SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ PERCEPTION TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE AND ADOPTION OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICES: THE CASE OF MASABA SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KISII, KENYA

Abstract

Climate variability and change is one of the global challenges facing human beings and their socio-economic activities. The negative impacts are being felt in many parts of Kenya especially in decadence of the agricultural productivity resulting into decreased national and household food security. To adapt to the changing climate, farmers’ need a paradigm shift in their farming practices and adopt practices that sustainably increase agricultural productivity and enhance their resilience. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perception to climate variability and change, climate smart agricultural practices adopted by farmers and determinants of adoption among farmers in Masaba South Sub-County, Kisii County, Kenya. Primary data were collected from 196 smallholder farmers’ using interview schedules, focused group discussions and key informant interviews and secondary data from agricultural offices. Descriptive statistics and econometric models were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that that most smallholder farmers’ perceived a change in climate variability and change with 88.3% of the respondents noting a decrease in rainfall and 76.6% perceived an increase in temperature. The major climate smart agricultural practices adopted in the area included; diversification of crops, change of planting time, crop rotation/mixed cropping, use of manure and change of crop varieties. Results from Multivariate Probit Model revealed, access to credit, farm income, climate change perception and household size as the major determinants of adoption of various climate smart agricultural practices. The study recommends increased access to weather and climate information, and capacity building among farmers and extension service providers as a way of enhancing resilience towards climate change