An Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies by Smallholder Agribusinesses in Mau Ranges, Nakuru County

Abstract

Mallholder agribusinesses contribute to the generation of grey and blue collar jobs. However, majority of the individuals in smallholder agribusiness production systems do not have the guarantee of sustainability attributed to production and marketing constraints associated with the agricultural value chain. This research focused on the climate change challenge facing the sector. The government efforts and support on the smallholder supply chain optimisation programs requires a participatory process to ensure that there is a capacity building for any future uncertainty. Smallholder production systems can help mitigate climate change by reducing both the production of greenhouse gases and the consumption of fossil fuel-based energy. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by implementing energy conservation measures, through energy efficient lighting and space heating, incorporating greater recycled content in products and selecting production processes that either emit or use less greenhouse gases.
This study sought to investigate the strategies employed by smallholder agribusiness production systems in climate adaptation. The research focused on three independent variables; Business innovation opportunities, Smallholder risk assessment measures and Smallholder supply chain optimisation programs on climate change adaptation. The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design targeting 94 smallholders and agribusinesses in Mau Ranges in Nakuru County through a purposive sample size of 47. Data was collected through both structured questionnaires and structured interviews. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively and qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The finding of the study shall be useful to the stakeholders especially the local farmers and businesses that benefit from agriculture. The supply chain optimisation and value addition technologies will be enhanced, hence Smallholder production systems can capitalise on climate change adaptation and biodiversity loss by developing technologies, products and services that help to improve resilience to the effects of climate related risks and opportunities.
Key Words: Smallholder Agribusiness, Climate Change Adaptation, Business Innovation, Risk Management, Supply Chain Optimization, Biodiversity Loss