Extent of Adoption of Selected Climate smart Agricultural Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya
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Date
2024-08-31
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International Journal of Environment and Climate Change
Abstract
Aim: Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrative approach to address the challenges of food
security and climate change. This study sought to assess the extent of adoption of climate smart
agricultural practices in Laikipia County, Kenya.
Study Design: This study used correlation research design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Laikipia county. Specifically in the sub counties Laikipia West, Laikipia East and Laikipia North. The study was carried out in July – August
2022.
Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of 384
smallholder farmers households across the three sub-counties. Systematic random sampling was
used to select every tenth household from the sample size. A questionnaire was used to collect
data from the sampled households (all of whom were smallholder farmers). Descriptive statistical
analysis was used to determine the extent of adoption of selected Climate Smart Agricultural
Practices among smallholder farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study used a chi-square (X²)
test of independence to establish a relationship in the adoption of CSA practices across the three
study sites
Results: This study found that crop diversification (87%), mixed farming (crop farming and livestock
keeping) (83%), use of pesticides and fungicides (80%) and crop rotation (74%) were the most
adopted climate smart agricultural practices (CSAPs). On extent of adoption, full adoption was
highest on pest and disease control (54%) and diversification of farming practices (52%); partial
adoption was highest in conservation agriculture (54%); and non-adoption was highest on
agroforestry (42%).
Conclusion: It is recommended that stakeholders should improve the adoption of water
harvesting/use, conservation agriculture and agroforestry – critical climate smart agricultural
practices in semi-arid environments.