Analysis of Climate Change and Variability Risks in the Smallholder Sector

Smallholder farmers in Kenya grow most of the country's food, vegetables and fruit. These farmers face formidable challenges in increasing production, preserving natural resources and addressing the impact of climate change in food production systems. Meeting these challenges is vital to sustained livelihoods and reduction of poverty, especially in the fragile dryland and semi-arid areas, where the impact of climate change is expected to be severe in Eastern Africa and Kenya. It will severely effect the approximately 57 percent of Kenya's population already living in poverty and who are reliant on climate-sensitive economic activities under smallholder agriculture. This study aims to raise awareness at national and local level on the impacts of climate change and variability on the food production system, natural resources base (land, water, forest and biodiversity) and ecosystem integrity, including establishment of baseline information at both local and agro-ecological levels. It also highlights on-the-ground adaptation practices and technologies which can stabilize the productivity of vulnerable communities and enhance ecosystem resilience for possible up-scaling.