In the heart of Kenya, dairy farming is more than just a livelihood; it’s a lifeline for rural communities. Yet, this vital sector faces an increasingly uncertain future as climate variability threatens productivity and sustainability. A recent study published in *Climate Smart Agriculture* sheds light on how farmers can navigate these challenges through Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, offering a roadmap for resilience and mitigation.
The research, led by Francis Onyango Oduor from the Department of Agricultural Biosystems, Economics and Horticulture at the University of Kabianga, delves into the adoption of five key CSA practices: feed management, improved breeding, manure management, animal health, and milk value addition. The study surveyed 447 dairy farmers across Kisii and Uasin Gishu counties, combining survey data with high-resolution climate records to paint a comprehensive picture of the region’s agricultural landscape.
The findings reveal a nuanced interplay of adoption patterns and regional differences. “We found that farmers in Uasin Gishu are more inclined towards feed management and milk value addition, while those in Kisii prefer manure management,” Oduor explains. This regional divergence highlights the importance of tailored interventions that consider local contexts and needs.
The study’s use of a Multivariate Probit (MVP) model, rooted in random utility theory, uncovers strong complementarities between certain practices. For instance, feed management and breeding, as well as animal health and feed management, are often adopted together, suggesting that bundled strategies may be more effective than isolated interventions. “Our results indicate that these practices are not just standalone solutions but are interdependent,” Oduor notes. “This interdependence can be leveraged to design more holistic and impactful agricultural policies.”
The research also underscores the role of socio-economic factors and institutional access in shaping adoption patterns. Farmers with access to cooperatives, credit, extension services, and early warning systems are more likely to adopt CSA practices. This underscores the need for robust institutional support to foster climate-resilient dairy farming.
The commercial implications of these findings are significant. By adopting bundled CSA practices, farmers can enhance productivity, improve resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and profitable dairy sector. “This research provides a clear pathway for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together towards a more climate-resilient future,” Oduor concludes.
As the agriculture sector grapples with the realities of climate change, studies like this one offer valuable insights and actionable strategies. By embracing a holistic approach to CSA, the dairy sector in Kenya and similar smallholder systems can thrive in the face of adversity, ensuring food security and livelihoods for generations to come.