SUMMARY

• Climate change is disproportionately affecting developing countries with low adaptive capacity and high vulnerability.
• Kenya is experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, which have significant implications for its agriculture.
• The timing and amount of rainfall in Kenya have been affected by climate change, posing a major challenge for farmers.

Climate change is posing an increasing threat to global socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. Developing countries with low adaptive capacity and high vulnerability to the phenomenon are disproportionately affected. Climate change in Kenya is increasingly impacting the lives of Kenya’s citizens and the environment.

Climate change has had a profound impact on Kenya, particularly in terms of its weather patterns. The country is experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts that last longer than usual, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, flooding, and increasing temperatures. These changes have significant implications for Kenya’s agriculture, which relies heavily on rain-fed farming. With 98 percent of the country’s agriculture dependent on rainfall, the changing patterns pose a major challenge for farmers.

One of the key challenges faced by farmers is the timing of rainfall. It is crucial for them to know when the rains will start and stop so that they can plan their planting and harvesting accordingly. However, the changing weather patterns have made it increasingly difficult to predict these timings. Kenya typically experiences two rain seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The months of June to August are usually cool and dry, except for some areas in the western region that receive rain. However, in recent years, there has been a delay in the onset of rains, leading to massive crop failures. In other instances, the rains have started on time but stopped earlier than anticipated, further exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers.

In addition to the timing of rainfall, studies have shown a reduction in the overall amount of rainfall, particularly during the crucial March to May long rains period. This is a worrying trend, as this is the main planting season for many crops. The changes in Kenya’s rainfall patterns have been attributed to climate change, specifically global warming. The warming of the atmosphere and the ocean due to climate change has resulted in complex shifts that affect weather and climate systems worldwide. Kenya is not alone in experiencing these changes, as other countries in the Horn of Africa are also witnessing a reduction in rainfall and an increase in temperatures.

One specific example of the impact of climate change in Kenya is the occurrence of drought and erratic rainfall patterns in Nakuru. This region has been particularly affected by the changing climate, with prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall. These conditions have had devastating consequences for the local communities, who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The lack of water and unreliable rainfall have led to crop failures, food shortages, and increased poverty in the area. The situation in Nakuru serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need

Priscillah Mugure a farmer at Kiambiriria village is worried that drought at the beginning of the year, may have devastating effects on potato production adding that declining crop harvests, attributed to unpredictable weather patterns, has put farmers in a difficult situation.

“Many cannot cope with the untimely change of the climate. Some are giving up farming altogether. In the previous years I would harvest 12 tonnes of potatoes from this ten acre farm but this has dwindled to 5 tonnes which is very low. This means I now spend more on sustaining my family,” observes Ms Mugure who is also worried by the erratic rain patterns.

Kenya, a country that has made relatively minor contributions to climate change, finds itself in a precarious position as it grapples with the consequences of this global phenomenon. The evolving environment has already begun to take its toll on Kenyan agriculture, and experts predict that the situation is only set to worsen in the coming years. In order to effectively adapt to these challenges, farmers in Kenya are in dire need of practical information that can help them understand and mitigate the potential impacts of climate change.

The agricultural sector in Kenya, which forms a significant part of the country’s economy, is already feeling the effects of climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have all taken a toll on crop yields and livestock production. Farmers are struggling to cope with these changes, as traditional farming practices are no longer sufficient to ensure food security and economic stability.

To address this pressing issue, farmers in Kenya require access to practical information that can guide them in making informed decisions about their agricultural practices. This information should encompass a wide range of topics, including climate projections, suitable crop varieties, water management techniques, and sustainable farming methods. By equipping farmers with this knowledge, they can better understand the potential impacts of climate change on their livelihoods and take proactive measures to adapt and mitigate risks.

In conclusion, while Kenya may have contributed relatively little to climate change, the country is undeniably vulnerable to its consequences. The agricultural sector, in particular, is already experiencing the adverse effects of a changing climate. To ensure the resilience and sustainability of Kenyan agriculture, it is crucial that farmers have access to practical information that can help them navigate the challenges posed by climate change. By providing farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge, Kenya can empower its agricultural community to adapt and thrive in the face of an uncertain future.

CONCLUSION

• Increasing threat to global socio-economic development and environmental sustainability
• Disproportionate impact on developing countries with low adaptive capacity and high vulnerability
• More frequent extreme weather events, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, and increasing temperatures in Kenya

RWITTEN BY RIDAH KERING CHEBET