Adaptive capacity to climate change among smallholder farmers in Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

This paper emanates from a study that was carried out to assess smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity to climate change effects in Busia County. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from 376 respondents selected using multistage and simple random sampling techniques. Six determinants (financial, social, knowledge and information, institutions and flexible decision making) of adaptive capacity to climate change were assessed using a five point Likert scale. Findings indicated a moderate (2.65) adaptive capacity among smallholder farmers in Busia County. Low adaptive capacity was indicated in financial/economic resources (2.4), but moderate in knowledge/information (2.5), social (2.8), technology and innovation (2.7), institutional (2.8) and informed farming decision making resources. Therefore, low financial and economic resources limit ability to plan, prepare for, facilitate and implement adaptation measures. This paper recommends that development and climate change efforts should focus on climate change awareness and diversification for both on-farm and off-farm livelihood activities.