Effects Of Climate Variability On Food Security In Oloolua Area Of Kajiado County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Climate variability is among major threats to food security in many agricultural based countries in Africa. In particular, it affects crop production due to temperature and rainfall changes, and more extreme weather events. Erratic rainfall and temperatures are said to reduce crop yields through shortening growing seasons, exaggeration of water stress and promote invasion and intensity of weeds, pests and diseases. Food security in Kenya is uncertain and communities in arid and semi-arid areas are relatively more affected. However, research into food security and enhanced understanding of the dynamics of climate variability effects is largely lacking. Using a descriptive survey, this study sought to examine the effects of climate variability on household food security in Oloolua area of Kajiado County. By use of questionnaires, primary data was collected from 311 randomly selected households. Interviews were also conducted among key purposely selected persons. Secondary data was obtained from physical libraries and electronic depositories and Government institutions. The climate data (rainfall and temperature) from 1980 to 2015 for Ngong’ forest station (No.8005325) was sourced from the Kenya Meteorological Department. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS with respect to the set hypotheses and objectives. The results of the study recorded a marginal increase in rainfall amounts of 78.08 mm with a significant inter-annual variability in the period 1980-2015 in Oloolua area. The study also indicated a rise in both maximum (0.1º C) and minimum (0.8º C) temperature in the period. Pearson’s correlation test for rainfall against crop yields for the period 2008 to 2015 exhibited a positive correlation for maize (r=0.749) and beans (r=0.321). Maximum temperature revealed a weak positive correlation for both maize (r=0.27) and beans (r=0.398). Minimum temperature portrayed a negative correlation for maize (r=-0.35) and no correlation for beans (r=0.019). Further results from both household perception on their food security status 40.2 % and Household Food Security Assess Scale 85% indicated that majority of the households were in status food insecure and factors such as marital status (χ2=32.566, df=6, p=0.000) education (χ2=188.924, df=6, p=0.000) gender (χ2=16.358, df=2, p=0.000) influenced household food security status. Majority of the households adopted drought resistant crops (216.6) however adaptation was reported to be constrained by lack of finances (257). The study concludes that Oloolua area is experiencing climate variability and this has affected food grain production and hence food security negatively in the area. The study recommends planned adaptation strategies that will enhance the resilience of small holder farmers to climate variability. There is need to invest in agricultural modernization including mechanization and construction of irrigation facilities. Small holder farmers to be encouraged to adopt modern agricultural production and productivity enhancing technologies