Evaluating Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Strategies in Mitigating Climate Change Vulnerabilities among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Moiben Sub-County, Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract In Moiben Sub-County, climate change poses significant challenges, particularly impacting the agricultural community. As a major agricultural hub in Kenya, Uasin Gishu County experiences shifting precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall, adversely affecting crop yields and livestock. Smallholder maize farmers, who heavily depend on rain-fed agriculture, face reduced productivity, increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, and heightened water scarcity. The main objective of the study was to evaluate ecosystem-based adaptation strategies in mitigating climate change vulnerabilities among smallholder maize farmers in Moiben Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to assess the current climate change vulnerabilities in Moiben Sub-County, Kenya; to identify and evaluate existing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies implemented among smallholder maize farmers in Moiben Sub-County; to analyze the effectiveness of these ecosystem-based adaptation strategies in improving climate resilience and reducing vulnerability among smallholder maize farmers in Moiben Sub-County. The study was guided by Resilience Theory. The study used a mixed-methods research design. The total target population was 7536 respondents, including smallholder maize farmers, local government officials, and community leaders. The sample size of 390 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formulae. The study used systematic random sampling to select smallholder maize farmers (residents) and a purposive sampling technique to select the key informants. This study used questionnaires for farmers to collect quantitative data, interviews with government officials, and focus group discussions with community leaders and maize farmers to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data from filled questionnaires were entered into SPSS version 24 for descriptive statistical analysis. Qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis to gain insights into respondents’ perspectives and perceptions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of means, standard deviations, and percentages, and presented in tables and figures. Inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression, were conducted at a 0.05 level of significance to determine the relationships and predictive power of the study variables. The analyzed data were presented in the form of tables and charts. Study findings indicate that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between ecosystem-based adaptation strategies implemented and climate change vulnerabilities (β1 = .227, p = .001). There was a statistically significant effect of rate of adoption of the ecosystem-based adaptation strategies on climate change vulnerabilities (β2=.265, p=.000), ecosystem-based adaptation strategies have a positive significant effect on climate change vulnerabilities (β3=.359, p=.000). The study concluded that small holder maize farmers in Moiben Sub-County have embraced positively a number of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) practices that include soil conservation, agroforestry, rain water harvesting, as well as crop diversification practices, that have led to positive agricultural sustainability and decreased climate change risks. The research suggests that agricultural stakeholders and county agricultural departments can improve the adoption of EbA through improvement of extension services. The research recommends that further evaluation on scalability of EbA strategies, contextual effectiveness and adoption barriers in other farming systems should be carried out in other counties and agro-ecological zones in Kenya.