Effectiveness of adaptation strategies by resettled farmers in unfamiliar agro-ecological zones in Laikipia central sub county, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies adopted by resettled farmers in Shalom Resettlement Scheme in Laikipia Central Sub-County. These farmers originated from Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) II in the Rift Valley that comparatively have better agricultural and livestock production potential than AEZ III to IV in Laikipia Central Sub-county of Central Kenya where they are currently settled. AEZs II to III are characterized by medium potential while AEZ IV has semi-arid conditions. Crops and livestock production has remained the farmers’ main sources of livelihood and in their new AEZs they are compelled to practice different farming practices to sustain their production. The specific objectives for the study were to identify the adaptation strategies adopted by resettled farmers within AEZs unfamiliar to them in Laikipia Central Sub County and to assess the effectiveness of the adaptation strategies used by resettled farmers within AEZs unfamiliar to them in Laikipia Central Sub County.The study employed Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction Model. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population for the study was 1525household heads. A sample of 233 households was derived from 15% of the targeted population and 4 community leaders. Key informants were sampled through purposive sampling procedure and census survey was used for 4 community leaders. Data was collected from the household heads using questionnaires as well as through focused group discussions with 4 community leaders. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26.0) and presented as descriptive statistics, tables, figures and graphs. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed and inserted in the text during discussion. A t-test at 0.05 significance level for Shalom Vs. Nakuru and Shalom Vs. Uasin Gishu was performed. The t-test value for Shalom Vs. Nakuru was 0.441 and the p value was 0.034 while for Shalom Vs. Uasin Gishu, the t-test value was 0.2511 and the p value was 0.012. The p-values are less than the typical significance level of 0.05, thus there is a significant difference in agro ecological conditions in Shalom and in Nakuru and Uasin Gishu. To mitigate these differences, most resettled farmers have adopted adaptation strategies like water harvesting and conservation, crop diversification and changing of the planting calendar which they consider as the most effective while migration is considered the least effective as it was adopted by the least number of farmers. The study recommended that effective water resource management strategies be implemented in Shalom resettlement scheme to promote sustainable agricultural development. Techniques such as rain water harvesting and constructing water pans should be encouraged to enhance water availability for agricultural activities. Another recommendation is promoting capacity-building programs for farmers in the Shalom resettlement scheme to empower them with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Climate-smart agricultural practices, including efficient water use and crop diversification, can contribute to increased resilience.