THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN KENYA

Purpose: This study examined the effects of climate variability on livestock production in Kenya.Methodology: The study used the Ricardian cross-sectional approach to measure the relationship between climate variability and net revenue from livestock. Net livestock revenue is regressed against various climate and socio-economic variables to help determine the factors that influence variability in net livestock revenues. This study is based on data from ASDSP household baseline survey of 1871 livestock farming households interviewed across the country.Results: The empirical results show that climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) have significant effects on net livestock revenues in Kenya. The net livestock revenues are affected negatively by increases in temperature and rainfall. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that there is a need to provide adequate extension information services to ensure that farmers receive up-to-date information so as to ensure increased production. Similarly, policies that increase farmer training and access to credit can help improve net livestock revenues.