Effects of Rainfall Change and Variability on Gender Nutritional Vulnerability: Innovations and Institutional Support for Adaptation by Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

Rainfall is a major determinant of the agricultural potential of any agro-ecological system. The present global climate trend has resulted in climate hazards that include persistent drought, floods and rainfall variability in both time and space especially in tropical countries. Any change in rainfall is therefore likely to impact either positive or negatively on food security and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to find out how smallholders in Kenya have perceived such changes over a period of thirty years. Five (5) sites in Kenya’s major Agro-Ecological Systems, representing varying degrees of vulnerability to impacts of climate change and variability were purposively selected. Data was collected in three phases: Reconnaissance, inception meetings and focus group discussions using semi-structured questionnaires. Rainfall data for at least thirty years was collected from weather stations within the study sites. Mean annual rainfall varied from one study area to another: Kajiado (875mm), Mbeere (870mm), Kilifi (800mm), Bungoma (1500mm) and Nakuru (1250mm). Rainfall amount was found to fluctuate considerably per site, but increasing slowly over time, rainy season decreasing and storms becoming more frequent. Dry periods were also becoming more frequent in all sites. These changes impacted negatively on food security in all agro- ecological systems, regardless of the agricultural potential, with women and children’s nutritional status being compromised the most. Government, non-government and private organizations were supporting rainfall change adaptation innovations, with varying levels of effectiveness. The study recommended that adaptation innovations should have a gender focus, and that partnership between supporting institutions will enhance their effectiveness.