Title: Analysis of utilisation of analytical tools for climate change impacts on agriculture in Kenya

Authors: Stella J. Matere; Kizito Kwena; Sospeter O. Nyamwaro; Antony O. Esilaba; William Ndegwa; Dixon K. Wamae; Joan Kuyiah Kuyiah; Reuben Ruttoh; Anthony M. Kibue

Addresses: KALRO-Food Crops Research Institute, Muguga South Centre, P.O. Box 30148-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' KALRO-Arid and Range Lands Institute, Katumani Centre, P.O. Box 340-90100, Machakos, Kenya ' KALRO-Veterinary Science Research Institute, Muguga North Centre, P.O. Box 032-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya ' KALRO-Secretariat, P.O. Box 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya ' Kenya Meteorological Department, P.O. Box 30259-00100, Nairobi, Kenya ' KALRO-Veterinary Science Research Institute, Muguga North Centre, P.O. Box 032-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya ' Deceased; formerly of: Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya ' KALRO-Arid and Range Lands Institute, Katumani Centre, P.O. Box 340-90100, Machakos, Kenya ' Deceased; formerly of: Kenya Meteorological Department, Kenya

Abstract: Climate change poses a major threat to environment, economic growth and sustainable development globally. Agriculture is an important sector of Kenyan economy that is dependent on climate. Since the first Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment report in 1990, substantial efforts have been directed toward understanding climate change impacts on agriculture worldwide. Although a large body of scientific models have been developed to predict impacts of future climate, there is little knowledge on their application in Kenya. The study conducted key informants interviews to identify analytical tools used to estimate impacts of climate change and level of utilisation in crops, livestock, water and natural resources sub-sectors. The study reports very low usage of analytical tools. This was attributed to insufficient knowledge on application of analytical tools and therefore requires capacity building to empower decision makers on utilisation of the tools for informed decisions on appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Keywords: climate change impacts; agriculture; analytical tools; Kenya; crops; livestock; water; natural resources; capacity building; informed decisions; adaptation strategies; mitigation strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2015.069772

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2015 Vol.11 No.1, pp.1 - 10

Published online: 11 Jun 2015 *

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