Climatic and non-climatic risks in rainfed crop production systems: insights from maize farmers of western Kenya. (26th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kogo, Benjamin Kipkemboi; Kumar, Lalit; Koech, Richard; Hasan, Kamrul
• Is Part Of: Climate and development. Volume 13:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 869
• Page End: 878
• Publication Date: 2021-11-26
• Subjects: Agricultural risk -- farmer opinion -- local knowledge -- perception determinant -- farmer awareness; Climatic changes -- Periodicals; Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Global temperature changes -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 363.7387405
• DOI: 10.1080/17565529.2020.1867043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-5529

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Impacts of climatic and non-climatic risks are on the rise in the major maize-growing counties of western Kenya. We conducted a questionnaire survey of sampled maize farmers in Nandi, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties, achieving 210 responses. We used a stepwise regression model to evaluate the factors influencing farmers' perceptions of farming risks. Results show that most of the sampled farmers were aware of the risks, and perceived reduced rainfall with erratic patterns to be the major climatic risk in crop production. The non-climatic factors were identified as inadequate farm size, limited extension services, land degradation and low soil fertility. The determinant factors that influence farmers' perception of climatic and non-climatic risks affecting crop production were age, farm size, income, crop production cost, marital status, the highest level of education and farming experience. Understanding the risks faced in crop production and determinants of farmers' perceptions can be important in the development and dissemination of sustainable agronomic strategies tailored towards improving crop production.