Effects of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices on Household Livelihoods in Soy Sub-county Kenya

Abstract

Aims: This study sought to analyze the effects of adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices on farmers’ livelihoods in Soy sub County Kenya. Study Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design, specifically use of household questionnaires, and interviewing key informants were used to come up with both quantitative and qualitative data. Place and Duration of Study: the study was conducted in two sites in Soy sub-County Kenya: Soy and Kipsomba ward. The study was conducted in the period October –December 2019.    Methodology: Structured household questionnaires (N-196) and interviews with Key informant (N-6) were conducted in two agro-ecological zones. Descriptive statistical analysis was used .while results from key informants were used to collect valuable data that was useful in checking the validity of responses obtained through the use of questionnaires.     Results: The study found that 88.7% of the farming households that had adopted CSA practices led to increased yields, 73.46 % of farming households felt that the adoption led to increased income, 7.65 % felt that it has led to employment creation, 4.08 % felt that the adoption led to control of pest and 0.06 % felt that it led to control of weeds. This is an indication that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices can be the useful approach for mitigating climate variability effects, building more resilient livelihoods, improving food security and alleviating poverty.      Conclusion: in order to improve on the climate variability adaptation smallholder farmers need to adopt more of CSA practices to turn around the of food insecurity threats. The study concludes that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices positively and negatively influences the livelihoods of farming households in Soy sub- County.