Seasonal agricultural drought effects on small scale farmers crop production in Kakamega South Sub-county

Chelangat W, Mulinya C. and J.Mabonga
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Chelangat W: Masinde Muliro university of Science and Technology
Mulinya C.: Kaimosi Friends university of Science and Technology (A constituent of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology)
J.Mabonga: Masinde Muliro university of Science and Technology

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022, vol. 6, issue 5, 218-221

Abstract: Kakamega South Sub-County located in Kakamega is a rich agricultural area though mainly reliant on rain fed agriculture. Small scale crop farmers in the area have over the years had frequent crop failure due seasonal drought. There is prediction of increasingly dry conditions in much of African countries with Kenya being no exception leading to seasonal drought mainly in agriculture due to climate change. There is need for small-scale farmers to adapt to this phenomenon. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of agricultural drought on small scale farmers and their adaptation strategies in Kakamega South Sub-County. Random Utility Model and Capability theories were used in this study. Triangulation research design was used in the study as this catered for both qualitative and quantitative data. The study made use of both primary data and secondary data which included questionnaires, interview schedules, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and field observation to gather information on the effects of agricultural drought on agricultural produce. Secondary data on rainfall and temperature was collected from meteorological stations for a period of at least 35 years (1985-2020). Simple random sampling was used with a sample of 377 households using Krejcie and Morgan table (Krejcie & Morgan, 2004). Purposive sampling was used to sample information from agricultural offices and meteorological stations to obtain detailed information on the study problem. The results of this study established that Economic decline is positively correlated with decrease in crop production water availability. 96.1% of the respondents agreed that there are effects of agricultural drought on agricultural production while a paltry 3.9% were in disagreement. 74.2% of the respondents were affected by economic challenges, 15.5% faced social challenges, 8.7% by geographical challenges and lastly 1.6% by political challenges. The study recommends that rain-fed farming in Kakamega South sub-county needs to be complimented with drip irrigation, rain water harvesting and green house techniques to enhance sustainable crop production. There is also need to have accurate, reliable and customized weather information and weather advisories are timely developed and availed to the farmers.

Date: 2022
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