Assessment of Strategies for Coping with Water Scarcity under Smallholder Cropping Systems in Kilome Area, Makueni County

Abstract

The issue of water scarcity and its impact on small-holder farmers is a reality in many developing countries including Kenya. With high population geared in rural areas most people depend on agriculture for livelihood. Rain fed agriculture remain to be the dominant source of stable food production and livelihood foundation of the majority of rural poor in sub-Saharan Africa. Knowledge of adoption strategies to water scarcity to increase production is critical for communities depending on agriculture. This study was based on the assessment of the coping strategies adopted by smallholder farmers to counter the problem of water scarcity and the challenges they faced. The study was conducted in Kilome area, Makueni County. For this purpose, hundred farmers were selected in the three locations within the area. Primary data was obtained through field visits to the farmers. Secondary data was obtained through oral conversation and other documentaries. Farmers in the area had adopted some measures that included, water and soil conservation, water harvesting, planting drought tolerant crops and conservation agriculture. However, farmers are faced with some challenges while adopting this measures that include, lack of funds, lack of technical knowledge, occurrences of disasters and lack of labor.