Dissertation (MA Development Studies)
Climate change is currently the subject which has attracted many stakeholders due to its impacts on nature and human livelihood. The impacts of climate change range from melting of ice, rise of sea level to destruction of biodiversity, physical features and loss of people’s life. The climate change has led to uncertainty in agriculture and caused food insecurity. Most of the affected communities were the poor rural communities comprised by small scale farmers, and cow herders. In responding to the climate change various strategies had been adapted in order to ensure that there was food security in the community. This study aimed at assessing the small-scale farme’s adaptation strategies, in ensuring household food security. The study was cross-sectional conducted in Meru District, and involved three wards in which their main economic activity was agriculture particularly food production. The study involved small scale farmers, extension officers, community leaders and nongovernmental personnel. A total number of 100 respondents were selected randomly, and purposively. Questionnaire, interview guide and observation were used in data collection during the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) preceded by data coding to prepare data for easy entry. The study revealed that various climate change adaptation strategies were put on place, in order to assure food security in households. However there was a low knowledge on the adaptation strategies from national level and also extension services were not adequate and only a few farmers accessed them. The study suggests that extension services should be improved in order to enable the farmers to get up to date information, on the climate change and being able to respond accordingly.