Diversification : a safety net for Kenya's dryland farmers in the face of climate change
Date
2015-01
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Publisher
WRENmedia
Abstract
Crop diversification supports income, food, and nutrition security under climate change. By allocating 10% more of their arable land to food crop production, research findings showed that households improved their food security by 18%. Supplementing animal feeds with crops and crop residues increased feed supplies by 8%. On average, due to the program successes, 40% of the farmers sought climate information in order to make decisions on food production. To enhance income and food security, county governments should invest in competent extension services, farmer field schools and demonstration centers, and as well, support seed multiplication and distribution of improved, climate-resilient crop varieties.
Description
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Policy Brief
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Keywords
SEMIARID ZONE, DROUGHT RESISTANCE, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, WATER MANAGEMENT, AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION, AGROPASTORAL SYSTEMS, CROP TRIALS, CROP DIVERSIFICATION, ZAI PIT FARMING, FOOD SECURITY, GOVERNMENT ROLE, WATER CONSERVATION