Abstract:
Onset of growing season in Uasin Gishu County is estimated by farmers through
observation of weather and natural migration of birds. However, rainfall characteristics
have become more unpredictable, resulting in replanting due to false onset. This strains
majority of farmers who are resource inadequate to meet expenses of replanting maize, the
major subsistence crop in the study area. This study aimed at spatial analysis and mapping
of rainfall characteristics based on historical rainfall data and gaps filled using CHIRPS
sourced rainfall data to determine the relationship between the onset, cessation and length
of growing season as well as occurrence of dry spells. Thereafter, dependable onset dates
were derived through frequency analysis and also dry spell occurrence was done. Results
were used to develop smartphone application to relay in simple and efficient manner
site specific information to aid farmers in planning of farming activities, by anticipating
long term risks and making appropriate adjustments to increase their farm resilience.
The android smartphone application developed will help farmers in Uasin Gishu County
to navigate challenges of ever changing weather patterns and lack of access to accurate
weather information through relaying of timely climate and weather information. Based
on study results, it is recommended that coverage of the application be extended through
spatial analysis and mapping of rainfall characteristics at a regional scale.
