Factors affecting smallholder adoption of adaptation and coping measures to deal with rainfall variability

Rainfall variability is becoming more profound in East Africa. Smallholders relying on rainfed agriculture are particularly affected and need to adapt their farming systems accordingly. This study examined the measures small-scale farmers use to, or cope with rainfall rated perceived effectiveness. It also explored limitations adoption of sources learning measures. Questionnaire-based interviews were held 80 smallholder farmers, both female male, living Kisumu Trans Nzoia counties Kenya who had regular sporadic access advisory services (denoted trained non-trained farmers). Trained used adaptation measures, especially be effective, than farmers. Female felt limited by lack knowledge male while money, land labour equally. Few overcome limitations, but several covered within package for therefore large differences seen not only numbers used, choice effectiveness use. Thus policy interventions can play important roles future efforts improve