Influence of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Resilience of Sorghum Farming Households in Embu and Tharaka-Nithi Counties, Kenya

Abstract

The study determined the influence of climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies onsorghum-farming household resilience in the dry lands of Embu and Tharaka-Nithi countiesin Kenya. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 426farming households. The data were collected using a structured interview schedule.Indicators served as proxies for resilience with percentages, and the ordered probit modelwas employed in the data analysis. The results indicated low resilience of sorghum farminghouseholds to climate change. The CCA strategies, namely intercropping (β =0.89), mixedfarming (β =0.83), proper grain storage (β =0.40) and staggering planting dates (β =0.32)had a positive and statistically significant influence on resilience. The CCA strategies had apositive and meaningful influence on resilience. The study recommends training of farmersby extension agents on grain storage, optimal crop and livestock combinations forintercropping and mixed farming productivity. Extension agents should foster collaborationwith weather forecasting departments to determine with certainty when to stagger plantingdates. The government should facilitate farmers' access to suitable storage structures andaffordable capital through financial lending institutions to improve resilience to climatechange.