Abstract:
Global climate change will continue to have significant effects on sectors that support human life systems. The agricultural sector is one of the most vulnerable to the risks, uncertainties and impacts associated with climate change. Adaptation and coping strategies will determine how human being will respond and get affected by climate change. The purpose of the study was to understand the perceptions and coping strategies amongst the small holder farmers in Tharaka South, of Tharaka Nithi County who poor in terms of resources and marginalized. The study relied on primary data which was collected from 100 households using a semi structured questionnaire. Data was supplemented using Focused Group Discussions and Interviews with key informants. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The findings shows that local farmers have an informed understanding on issues related to climate change and local livelihood strategies especially those relating to agricultural sector. Further, the study revealed that local farmers have adopted climate change coping strategies like planting improved seed varieties of drought resistant crops like green grams, sorghum and cowpeas. Other coping strategies include; planting multiple crops and practising irrigation. However, as local farmers struggle and strive to adapt and cope with the changing climatic conditions they are faced with challenges related to lack of availability of planting materials (seeds), high cost of seeds and irrigation technology |
