CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN KISII COUNTY; KENYA

Abstract

Climate variability and change has been found to be one of the variables that affect economies of many countries leading to food scarcity in several parts of the world. Kenya is no exception. This research was conducted in Kisii County and it investigated how climate variability affects food insecurity. The objectives of this study were; first to examine the precipitation and temperature trends in Kisii County, secondly to establish the effect of climate variability on food production and lastly, to identify the coping strategies adopted at household level to mitigate the impact of food shortages. The research questions were; is there any significant trend and pattern of rainfall and temperature in Kisii County? is there any significant impact of climate variability on food production in Kisii County? and finally, which are the possible strategies adapted at household levels to cope with food insecurity in Kisii County?. The study population was composed of agricultural officers, Kenya Meteorological officers and farmers. Purposive sampling was applied in the selection of agricultural and meteorological officers whereas multistage sampling was used to select respondents at household level. Primary data was gathered by use of a pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire was first pre tested in neighbouring Homabay County whereby it was established to thirty respondents. Their responses were tabulated, computed and yielded a Cronbach coefficient alpha index of zero point nine two zero. Mann Kendall statistic test was applied to establish whether the trend of precipitation and temperature observed was significant, whereas chi square test was used to determine whether the coping strategies observed varied significantly at household level. The data used was mainly for rainfall and temperature from Karlo and coffee substation weather stations, while food crop production trends and the prices of maize and beans were obtained from agricultural offices at Marani and Bomachoge Chache sub counties. From the analysis, rainfall did not show any significant trend in Kisii County whilst temperature trend, revealed a significantly upward trend over the years, at ninety five confidence level. The analysis of major crop yields and their price trends indicated a decreasing trend of food production resulting into high prices over the years. This meant that farmers could not produce sufficient food to sustain themselves to the next harvesting season, hence forcing them to adopt different coping tactics at household level that varied significantly. The coping techniques preferred include, purchasing food from nearby markets for majority of farmers, whilst others got food aid from donors. Since most of the farmers were food insecure, the study recommended that, County government and National governments should bring climatic information to the farmers, establish alternative sources of water to cushion farmers during prolonged dry spells and lastly encourage farmers to embrace deep rooted crops such as bananas which can withstand dry conditions. Since the study only examined two climatic factors i.e rainfall and temperature, there was need to undertake research on other alternative crops that can withstand the prevailing climate and also evaluate the effect of land sub-division. This will additionally contribute to national efforts towards realization of Vision 2030.