African Applied Botany (Agri/Plant Science) | 23 March 2011
Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption and Impacts on Smallholder Productivity in Kenya: A Comparative Study
P, e, t, e, r, M, w, a, n, g, i, W, a, n, d, i, g, a, ,, V, i, c, t, o, r, M, u, t, u, a, K, i, l, o, n, z, ï, ,, G, r, a, c, e, K, i, n, y, a, n, j, u, i, O, c, h, i, e, n, g
Abstract
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) strategies are being promoted to enhance productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers in Kenya amidst climate change challenges. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews was employed. Data were collected from 300 randomly selected farmers in four counties representing diverse agro-ecological zones. Significant differences in CSA adoption rates (75% vs. 40%) were observed across regions, with higher yields reported by farmers adopting improved irrigation techniques (mean increase: 20%). The study highlights the importance of tailored CSA interventions to maximise benefits and suggests that improved water management is a key driver of productivity gains. Local governments should prioritise investment in infrastructure for sustainable water supply systems, alongside capacity-building programmes for farmers to adopt CSA practices effectively. Climate-Smart Agriculture, Smallholder Farmers, Productivity Gains, Mixed-Methods Research The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.