Agriculture and Food security in Kenya
One of the most significant impacts of climate change in Kenya is on agriculture and Food security. Kenya is characterized by low and declining crop production due to the over reliance on rain fed agriculture, aridity, inadequate water supply and degradation of it's natural resources.
Climate change affects food security in aspects such as increased vulnerability, high levels of poverty, poor infrastructure and low levels of human and physical capital. Good insecurity brings forth an increased level of poverty among households. The decline in food production due to unreliable rainfall Leads to less income to the farmers who highly depend on rainfall. This reduced their ability to afford basic needs such as health care, education and improving farming inputs thereby creating a cycle of poverty.
Additionally, social conflicts and insecurities are exacerbated by good insecurity. Areas such as Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia and Bari go experience frequent conflicts between pastoralists community over grazing land and water. These activities lead to loss of lives, disruption of livelihoods, property destruction and displacement of communities during drought. This instability further worsen food insecurity and slow down development efforts.