Coping mechanisms employed by smallholder dairy cattle farmers in response to the effects of climate change in Bungoma County, Kenya

Dairy farming has improved food security, employment, and poverty in Bungoma County. The County has 43% food insecurity and 53% poverty. 31% of household income comes from dairy and livestock. Climate change affects the County's rain-fed mixed farming. The study examined the coping mechanisms employed by smallholder dairy cattle farmers in response to climate change effects. The research was founded on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study adopted a correlational research design to explore the impact of climate change on dairy cattle production among smallholder farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya, a region selected for its agricultural potential, high poverty rates, and underperforming dairy sector. The research focused on three sub-counties—Mt. Elgon, Kimilili, and Tongaren—deemed representative of the county’s nine sub-counties. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 415 respondents from a target population of 1,200 farmers, proportionally allocated based on sub-county size and farmer population. In addition, key informants from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith-based organizations (FBOs), and government departments were selected through purposive sampling. Data was gathered through observation, questionnaires and key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis to identify patterns and deeper insights, following Fowler and Floyd’s analytical framework. From the study, smallholder dairy farmers have evolved a number of climate change coping mechanisms; Key among these is reverting to rearing indigenous zebu and cross breed cows that are more resilient to the adverse effects. Integration of dairy and crop farming, use of farm waste as animal feeds, altering acreage, matching stock rates are among the coping mechanisms adapted by smallholder dairy cattle herd farmers. Diversifying to other forms of livestock and income generating activities e.g. chicken, goats, sheep, pigs and beekeeping. This study recommends to all stakeholder to formulate policies to empower farmers to effectively adapt to climate change and variability for enhancing smallholder dairy cattle herd productivity in the county.