Influence of Climate Variability on Food Security in Nyamira County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change and climate variability threaten global food security, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture is central to income generation and the economy. Nyamira County in Kenya, despite its high agricultural potential, experiences challenges arising from climate change and climate variability. This study aimed to establish rainfall and temperature trends and patterns affecting food security in Nyamira County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Rainfall and temperature data for Nyamira station was obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). These data were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test analysis for the various seasons (MAM, JJA, SON, and DJF). The study findings revealed that the rainfall trends for Nyamira station covering the seasons MAM (y = 0.2769x + 177.3), SON (y = 2.2095x + 104.43), and JJA (y = 0.109x + 131.63) were increasing. The station exhibited statistically significant trends in maximum and minimum temperatures (p-value < 0.05). The study recommends continually researching and monitoring local climate patterns to understand and respond effectively to changing weather trends. Collaborating with the Kenya Meteorological Department, research institutions, policymakers, local communities, and environmental agencies can provide valuable data and insights to inform decision-making and adaptation strategies for farmers.