Aspects of Smallholder Livestock Production Affected by the Effects of Climate Change in Njoro Sub-County

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Aspects of Smallholder Livestock Production Affected by the Effects of Climate Change in Njoro Sub-County

Douglas V Muyera, Paul Makenzi, Alexander Kahi
Environmental Science Department, Egerton University

Abstract:- Smallholder livestock production is one of the major means of livelihood supporting many families world over. This system acts as a source of food and financial security to many households therefore sustaining their socio-economic wellbeing as well as that of the nation. However, this support system is under threat due to the negative effects of climate change which are contributing to a decline in the level of smallholder livestock production. For the last 30years, changes in climate have been observed in Njoro sub-county and therefore, this study investigated the effects climate change is having on smallholder livestock production in the area. This was done through determination of the aspects of climate change/variability that have impacted on livestock production and the magnitude of their effect. The study employed a social survey research design, where primary data was collected using questionnaires and participant observation, while secondary data was sourced from journals, books, articles, and agricultural records at the sub-county and county headquarters and from the meteorological department. The study found out that climate change is affecting aspects of smallholder livestock production mostly livestock health, livestock yield, forage availability, and water availability. From the study, it was concluded that, due to the effects of climate change, mainly prolonged droughts and reduced rainfall amounts in the study area, smallholder livestock production farmers in the study area is experiencing increased disease occurrence, reduced livestock yield, reduced forage productivity and reduced water availability. These are having a negative effect in their production system.

Keywords: Smallholder, livestock production, climate change, climate variability, aspect

I. INTRODUCTION

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the livestock sector plays an important role in economic development (Kirimi, et al., 2013) and sustenance of livelihoods. The sector supports many families (especially the poor and smallholder farmers), acting as a source of food and an economic security. In Kenya, the livestock sector contributes over 30% of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing more than 50% of the agricultural labor force (Kirimi, et al., 2013). As such, sustained livestock production plays a critical role in maintaining both household and national economies.

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