IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MAIZE PRODUCTION IN NZOIA RIVER, BASIN, KENYA

Abstract

Reports on Global research on climate change have indicated that there is an increasing trend of climate change and variability. This increasing climate variability is known to affect the human systems and livelihoods in particular the agricultural sector including maize production, which is the staple food in Kenya and Africa as a whole. This study set out to examine the effects of climate change on maize production in the Nzoia River Basin in Kenya. The specific objectives were to: Determine the climate change and variability patterns in the Basin; assess the impacts of climatic change on maize production in the basin; document practices and technologies related to climate change adaptation in maize production among the communities; propose mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies to control the adverse effects of climate change on maize production in the Basin. The study was grounded in the Anthropogenic warming theory on climate change which suggests that human emissions of greenhouse gases are causing catastrophic rise in global temperatures, and the Human forcing theory which posits that human activities have transformed the earth’s surface by clearing forests, irrigating desserts and building cities and thus affecting the climate. The study adopted the quantitative, descriptive and correlative research design. The multistage, purposive and random sampling strategies were used to obtain 276 households, 22 government representatives and two civil society organizations for sampling. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, photographs and maps, whereas secondary data was collected from documented data. The primary data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) whereas secondary data from Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) and Ministry of Agriculture was analyzed using Microsoft excel. Results were presented in form of tables, percentages, charts and graphs. The results showed a general decrease in annual rainfall pattern. The seasonal rainfall trends showed variations with MAM seasonal rainfall showing a decreasing pattern characterized with erratic rains and delay in the onset of the rains. The JJAS and OND rainfall seasons showed increasing rainfall trends. There was a general increase in annual temperature pattern. All The seasonal temperatures showed an increasing trend. The delayed and erratic rainfall pattern causes disruption in the planting calendar of the farmers. Lack of adequate rainfall at critical stages of maize development such as germination, flowering, tasselling, and cobbing causes low yields. Increased temperatures and reduced rainfall causes wilting of the crop. It can also cause increased incidences of pests and diseases. Measures to adapt to the changing climate patterns include: integrated crop production, planting on the onset of the rains, planting drought tolerant and early maturing crops, promoting sustainable agricultural land use management among others. The study concluded that climate change and climate variability is taking place in the basin and it has an effect on maize production. The study recommends the promotion of integrated farming, planting on the onset of rainfall, development and availability of early maturing and enhancing household adaptive capacity among other strategies. Suggested area of further research include, assessing how different management methods will affect maize production under the changing climate changes in the Basin.