ASSESSING THE EXISTING ECOSYSTEM-BASED ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED AMONG SMALLHOLDER MAIZE FARMERS IN MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY

Abstract: In Moiben Sub-County, climate change poses significant challenges, particularly impacting the agricultural community. The study's main objective is to evaluate existing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies implemented among smallholder maize farmers in Moiben Sub-County. Resilience Theory guided the study. The study used a mixed-methods research design. The target population was 7536 respondents, including Smallholder maize farmers, local government officials and community leaders. The sample size of 390 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formulae. The study used systematic random sampling to select smallholder maize farmers (residents) and a purposive sampling technique to select the key informants. This study used a questionnaire for farmers to collect quantitative data and interviews for government officials to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data from filled questionnaires were entered into SPSS version 24 for descriptive statistical analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of means, standard deviation, and percentages and presented in tables and figures. Inferential statistics, including correlation and linear regression, were conducted at a 0.05 significance level to determine the relationships and predictive power of the study variables. The analyzed data was presented in the form of tables and charts. Study findings indicate that there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between ecosystem-based adaptation strategies implemented and climate change vulnerabilities (β1=.227, p=.001). The study concluded that smallholder maize farmers in Moiben Sub-County have embraced positively a number of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) practices that include soil conservation, agroforestry, rainwater harvesting, as well as crop diversification practices, which have led to positive agricultural sustainability and decreased climate change risks. The research suggestd that agricultural stakeholders and county agricultural departments can improve the adoption of EbA by improving extension services, providing helpful training, and creating favourable policies such as subsidies and access to credit to encourage sustainable land management. Bring out the global. Africa and Kenyan feel in the abstract.