Climate Change Impacts Small-Scale Farmers in Kenya

Strategic Insights -

A new study by researchers at the University of Nairobi has revealed that climate change is significantly impacting small-scale farmers in Kenya, particularly those engaged in key agricultural enterprises such as crop cultivation, livestock farming, and fish production. The research, sponsored by the Consortium Pour La Recherche Economique En Afrique, the University of Nairobi, and the German Academic Exchange Service, aimed to assess household vulnerability to climate change and identify contributing factors to guide effective interventions and policies. The findings show that households relying solely on crop farming are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than those combining two or more types of agricultural activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 723 small-scale farmers in Kenya and found that households relying solely on crop farming are more vulnerable to climate change than those engaging in multiple farming enterprises.
  • Households that combine two or more types of agricultural activities, such as mixing crops with livestock or fish farming, are better prepared to cope with climate-related challenges.
  • Households headed by younger or more educated individuals, with access to agricultural training and extension services, accessing credit, having membership in farming groups, and located closer to markets are generally less vulnerable.
  • The study recommends implementing interventions that promote multi-enterprise farming and synergies to enable farmers to diversify risks.
  • Introducing affordable credit options for farmer households, facilitated through policy and other initiatives such as cooperatives, can help reduce household vulnerability to climate change.
  • Strengthening government meteorological and extension services is crucial to ensure timely and efficient dissemination of climate change-related information to farmers, facilitating the adoption of adaptation measures.

Statistics:

  • 723 small-scale farmers were analyzed in the study.
  • 63% of the farmers relied solely on crop farming, while 37% engaged in multiple farming enterprises.
  • Households that combined crops with livestock or fish farming were less vulnerable to climate change, representing 25% of the total farmers.
  • Only 10% of the farmers had access to agricultural training and extension services.
  • 5% of the farmers belonged to farming groups, and 3% accessed credit.

Sources:

  • Consortium Pour La Recherche Economique En Afrique
  • University of Nairobi
  • German Academic Exchange Service
  • Climate Services, Elsevier (10.1016/j.cliser.2025.100578)
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.cliser.2025.100578