Behavioural communication change for empowering small-scale farmers in addressing climate change: Perceptions, mitigation and adaptation strategies

Abstract

Climate change poses a serious threat to Kenya's food security, necessitating immediate and steadfast attention to the development and implementation of comprehensive climate risk management and adaptation strategies at both the national and sub-national levels. This study is a crucial undertaking that utilizes the direct knowledge and experiences of farmers in Kisumu, Kenya, to tackle important problems necessary for the effective implementation of strong climate change frameworks in the country. Its focus is to encourage small-scale farmers to adapt and mitigate and to undertake proactive measures to avoid maladaptation food insecurity scenarios. This study highlights major insights by utilizing a combination of content analysis, focus group discussions, and a thorough comparison of results with vast secondary data covering weather patterns from 1988 to 2017. The findings reveal a clear truth, although farmers are aware of the long-term changes in climatic factors, such as temperature variations and shifts in rainfall patterns, they find it difficult to accurately connect these changes with the broader idea of climate change. Notwithstanding this consciousness, farmers struggle with the hazards presented by climate variability and catastrophic weather occurrences without strong measures in response. While some farmers occasionally modify their farming operations both on and off the pitch, these adjustments are mainly reactive rather than proactive responses to climate change. These measures include adjusted planting and harvesting timetables, the cultivation of resilient crops, the adoption of agroforestry practices, occasional migrations to urban areas, and the dependence on remittances from external sources. These strategies are implemented as temporary alternatives to cope with the negative effects of climate change. This study emphasizes the necessity for proactive policy actions to address climate change, urging strong frameworks to manage and adapt to risks within the African context. Kenya's food security situation underscores the urgent need for practical, proactive initiatives.