Agricultural Practices and Climate Change Adaptation in Arid Regions in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajcs.2040Keywords:
Agricultural Practices, Climate Change, Arid RegionsAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the agricultural practices and climate change adaptation in arid regions in Kenya.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Agricultural practices in arid regions are significantly impacted by climate change, prompting a need for adaptation strategies. The study indicates that traditional methods, such as rainwater harvesting and drought-resistant crop varieties, remain vital. However, technological innovations like precision agriculture and drip irrigation are increasingly essential for optimizing water use efficiency. Additionally, agroforestry systems that integrate trees with crops can mitigate soil degradation and enhance resilience to climate extremes. Furthermore, community-based approaches, including knowledge sharing and cooperative resource management, are crucial for building adaptive capacity and fostering sustainable agricultural development in arid regions.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social-ecological systems theory, resilience theory and diffusion of innovations theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the agricultural practices and climate change adaptation in arid regions in Kenya. Practical recommendations should focus on promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices tailored to the specific needs and contexts of arid regions. Policy recommendations should aim to create an enabling environment for climate-resilient agriculture in arid regions through supportive regulatory frameworks, incentives, and institutional arrangements.
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