An Evaluation of Farmers Perception on the Effects of Variability in Rainfall and Temperature on Goat and Finger Millet Farming in Baringo County - Kenya

Abstract

Climate is subject to variations in many parts of world, exhibited by mainly rainfall and temperature fluctuations. The variability in Africa has resulted in the spread of desert conditions in the Sahel. Kenya experiences great variations of climate annually and considerable uncertainty when rains are expected, impacting negatively on farming activities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the farmer’s perception of the effects of variability in rainfall and temperature on goat and finger millet farming in Baringo County. The study adopted a cross sectional survey which is a descriptive design. The sample size was 384 households derived from a target population of 555,507 using Webster (1995) formulae. Both stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 384 households. Prospect theory guided the study. Primary Data collection tools included questionnaires, Key informants, focus Group discussions, Observation and photography. To ascertain reliability and validity of the research instruments, a pilot study was conducted where a reliability coefficient of 0.7 was deemed acceptable. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, and standard deviation were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed by coding patterns and themes then evaluating it into useful information. Results indicated that climate variability has severe and adverse effects on finger millet and goat production. Pre-drought planning to cope up or overcome the effects of droughts were highly recommended and measures provided. The study findings are expected to help farmers, the government and economic planners to focus on effective mitigation areas, formulate alternative policies on mitigating the effect of rainfall and temperature variability on activities of farming in Baringo County.