Introduction
Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing Kenyan agriculture today. Unpredictable rainfall, longer droughts, changing seasons, and extreme weather events are making farming increasingly difficult. For a country where agriculture employs about 40% of the population and contributes significantly to GDP, climate change impacts everyone - from smallholder farmers to consumers facing rising food prices.
This guide explains how climate change is affecting Kenyan agriculture, what the impacts mean for different farming communities, and practical steps farmers can take to adapt and build resilience.
Understanding Climate Change in Kenya
What’s Happening
Temperature Changes:
- Average temperatures rising
- More hot days and heat waves
- Warmer nights affecting crop growth
- Increased evaporation rates
Rainfall Changes:
- Unpredictable rain patterns
- Longer dry spells
- When rains come, often too heavy
- Traditional seasons no longer reliable
- Some areas getting less rain overall
- Flash floods in some regions
Extreme Weather Events:
- More frequent and severe droughts
- Unexpected flooding
- Stronger winds
- Hail storms in unusual areas
- Locust invasions (linked to climate patterns)
Why It’s Happening
Global Causes:
- Greenhouse gas emissions worldwide
- Deforestation
- Industrial activities
- Burning fossil fuels
Local Contributors:
- Deforestation in Kenya
- Wetland destruction
- Poor land management
- Urban expansion
- Pollution
Impacts on Different Types of Farming
Rain-Fed Agriculture
Most Affected: About 98% of Kenya’s agriculture is rain-fed.
Problems Faced:
Planting Time Uncertainty
- Traditional planting calendars no longer work
- Farmers plant, then rains fail
- Seeds wasted, money lost
- Too late to replant
Crop Failure
- Insufficient rain during growing season
- Crops wither before maturity
- Reduced yields even when crops survive
- Total loss common in bad years
Pest and Disease Changes
- New pests appearing in areas
- Old pests active at different times
- Diseases spreading to new regions
- Fall armyworm linked to climate changes
Regions Most Affected:
- Eastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni, Kitui)
- Northern Kenya (Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana)
- Parts of Coast (Kilifi, Kwale)
- Some Rift Valley areas
Irrigated Agriculture
Less Vulnerable but Still Affected:
Water Source Problems:
- Rivers running low or dry
- Boreholes failing as water tables drop
- Dams not filling adequately
- Competition for water increasing
Higher Costs:
- More irrigation needed
- Fuel costs for pumping
- Need for water storage
- Investment in efficient systems
New Challenges:
- Heat stress on crops even with water
- Pests and diseases still an issue
- Soil degradation faster
Where It Matters:
- Tana River irrigation schemes
- Perkerra Irrigation Scheme
- Central Kenya irrigators
- Taveta and other water-dependent areas
Livestock Farming
Pastoralist Communities Severely Hit:
Drought Effects:
- Pasture drying up faster
- Water sources disappearing
- Animals dying in large numbers
- Milk production dropping
- Livestock market prices crashing (many selling at once)
Migration and Conflict:
- Longer distances to find pasture and water
- Entering new areas causes conflicts
- Traditional grazing patterns disrupted
- Overgrazing in remaining areas
Disease:
- Weakened animals more susceptible
- Disease outbreaks during droughts
- Lack of resources for treatment
Most Affected Counties:
- Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit
- Parts of Laikipia, Kajiado, Narok
- Wajir, Mandera, Garissa
Horticulture (Vegetables and Fruits)
High-Value but Vulnerable:
Temperature Sensitivity:
- Many vegetables and fruits have narrow temperature ranges
- Too hot: poor quality, reduced yields
- Heat stress on plants
- Pollination problems
Water Requirements:
- High water needs
- Irrigation essential but water scarce
- Quality affected by water stress
Market Challenges:
- Inconsistent supply due to climate
- Quality varies with weather
- Export standards harder to meet
- Post-harvest losses increase in heat
Opportunities:
- Can adapt faster with right support
- Greenhouse farming possible
- Higher value justifies investment in adaptation
Tea and Coffee
Key Export Crops at Risk:
Tea Farming:
- Needs specific rainfall and temperature
- Drought reduces yields significantly
- Too much rain causes waterlogging
- Pests and diseases changing
Impact: Tea production fluctuates, affecting farmers’ income and export earnings.
Coffee Farming:
- Flower timing disrupted by weather
- Berries affected by temperature extremes
- Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) spreading to new areas
- Yields declining in some traditional areas
Impact: Coffee farmers facing low yields and declining quality.
Regions Affected:
- Tea: Kericho, Bomet, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga
- Coffee: Central Kenya, parts of Eastern and Rift Valley
Dairy Farming
Feed and Heat Stress:
Challenges:
- Pasture quality declining
- Need more purchased feed (expensive)
- Cows produce less milk in extreme heat
- Water requirements increasing
- Heat stress affects breeding
Costs Rising:
- More feed needed
- Veterinary care
- Cooling measures
- Water provision
Where It Matters:
- Central Kenya dairy zones
- Rift Valley dairy areas
- Parts of Western Kenya
Specific Climate Impacts by Region
Central Kenya
Traditional Breadbasket Affected:
- More erratic rainfall
- Longer dry spells between rains
- Flash floods damaging farms
- Coffee and tea yields variable
Crops Affected: Maize, beans, coffee, tea, vegetables, potatoes
Eastern Kenya
Increasingly Arid:
- Droughts more frequent and longer
- Rainfall decreasing overall
- Desertification concerns
- Water scarcity severe
Crops Affected: Maize, beans, cowpeas, green grams, millet, sorghum
Livestock: Cattle, goats, sheep struggling
Western Kenya
Changing Patterns:
- Rainfall timing shifted
- Some areas seeing floods
- Sugarcane affected by droughts
- Maize production variable
Crops Affected: Maize, sugarcane, beans, cassava
Rift Valley
Diverse Impacts:
- Pastoral areas (north) severe droughts
- Agricultural areas (south) erratic rains
- Lake levels affecting surrounding areas
- Heat stress on livestock and crops
Crops and Livestock: Wheat, maize, dairy, sheep, goats, cattle
Coast Region
Unique Challenges:
- Sea level rise affecting coastal agriculture
- Saltwater intrusion into farms
- Erratic rainfall
- Flooding in some areas
Crops Affected: Coconuts, cashew nuts, mangoes, cassava, maize
Northern Kenya
Most Vulnerable:
- Extreme droughts
- Pastoralist livelihoods threatened
- Humanitarian crises common
- Displacement and conflict
Livestock: Camels, cattle, goats, sheep - backbone of livelihoods
Economic Impacts
For Farmers
Income Loss:
- Reduced yields = less income
- Crop failure = total loss
- Livestock deaths = asset loss
- Debt from loans for failed seasons
Increased Costs:
- More expensive inputs
- Irrigation costs
- Pest and disease control
- Alternative feed for livestock
Uncertainty:
- Can’t plan reliably
- Investment risky
- Difficult to secure loans
- Youth leaving farming
For Economy
National Level:
- GDP affected (agriculture is major contributor)
- Export earnings down (tea, coffee, horticulture)
- Employment reduced
- Rural-urban migration increases
Food Security:
- Maize production variable (staple food)
- Food prices rising
- Import bills increasing
- Vulnerable populations food insecure
Example: 2016-2017 drought cost Kenya’s economy an estimated KES 48 billion.
Adaptation Strategies for Farmers
1. Change Crop Varieties
Drought-Tolerant Crops:
Kenya Seed Company and Research Institutions Offer:
- Drought-tolerant maize varieties (e.g., DH04, DH06, KDV1)
- Available at Agrovets
- Cost: KES 300-500 per 2kg
- Mature with less water
- Better yields in dry conditions
Traditional Crops Revival:
- Sorghum and millet (very drought-tolerant)
- Cassava (survives dry spells)
- Sweet potatoes (more resilient)
- Green grams and cowpeas
Why It Works:
- Suited to local conditions
- Nutritious
- Market demand growing
Where to Get:
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
- Seed companies
- County agriculture offices
2. Diversify Crops
Don’t Put All Eggs in One Basket:
Mix Crops:
- Plant different crops
- Some will survive even if others fail
- Different maturity periods
- Intercropping (e.g., maize with beans)
Benefits:
- Reduce risk
- Better soil health
- Some income even in bad years
3. Soil and Water Conservation
Protect What You Have:
Soil Conservation:
- Terracing on slopes
- Contour farming
- Mulching to retain moisture
- Planting cover crops
- Agroforestry (trees on farms)
Water Harvesting:
- Zai pits (small planting pits that capture water)
- Half-moons and other structures
- Farm ponds
- Roof water harvesting for kitchen gardens
Benefits:
- Soil retains more water
- Erosion reduced
- Better yields even with less rain
Support Available:
- County governments sometimes support terracing
- National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) programs
- Some NGOs provide training
4. Improve Water Management
Every Drop Counts:
For Those with Some Water:
Drip Irrigation:
- Uses much less water than flooding
- Initial cost: KES 15,000-50,000 per acre (depending on system)
- Saves up to 70% water
- Better yields
Where to Get:
- Davis & Shirtliff
- Amiran Kenya
- Local irrigation suppliers
- Some County governments subsidize
Water Storage:
- Tanks and ponds
- Capture rain when it comes
- Use during dry periods
5. Change Planting Times
Follow the Rain:
Use Weather Forecasts:
- Kenya Meteorological Department provides seasonal forecasts
- Website: www.meteo.go.ke
- Radio and TV forecasts
- SMS services (some counties)
Flexible Planting:
- Don’t stick rigidly to traditional dates
- Plant when forecast shows rain coming
- Have seeds ready
- Consider split planting (not all at once)
6. Integrated Pest Management
Climate-Smart Pest Control:
New Pests Need New Approaches:
- Monitor fields regularly
- Use resistant varieties
- Biological control when possible
- Pesticides as last resort
- Follow extension advice
Fall Armyworm Example:
- Use early detection
- Push-pull technology (companion planting)
- Biopesticides available
- County agriculture officers can advise
7. Livestock Management
For Pastoralists and Farmers:
Herd Management:
- Reduce herd size to match available resources
- Improve breeds (fewer but more productive)
- Destocking before drought severe (sell early)
- Diversify livestock (goats more drought-tolerant than cattle)
Feed and Water:
- Grow fodder crops (hay)
- Store feed for dry season
- Invest in water storage
- Rotational grazing
Support Programs:
- Kenya Livestock Insurance Program (KLIP)
- Insures against drought-related livestock deaths
- Available in 26 ASAL counties
- Subsidized premiums
- Contact county livestock office
8. Agroforestry
Trees on Farms:
Benefits:
- Shade reduces heat stress
- Improves soil
- Windbreaks protect crops
- Alternative income (fruits, timber)
- Carbon sequestration
What to Plant:
- Fruit trees (mangoes, avocados)
- Legume trees (improve soil nitrogen)
- Fodder trees (animal feed)
- Indigenous trees
Where to Get Seedlings:
- Kenya Forest Service
- KALRO
- County governments
- Community nurseries
- Some free during planting seasons
9. Access Climate Information
Know What’s Coming:
Kenya Meteorological Department:
- Seasonal forecasts (3-month outlook)
- Weather warnings
- Website and social media
County Agriculture Offices:
- Localized advisories
- Extension services
- Farming calendars updated for climate
Digital Platforms:
- iCow, Digifarm (SMS-based farm advice)
- Some provide weather info
- Crop and livestock management tips
10. Join Farmer Groups
Strength in Numbers:
Benefits:
- Share knowledge and experiences
- Bulk buying of inputs (cheaper)
- Access to training
- Easier to get support from government/NGOs
- Collective marketing
Where to Find:
- County agriculture offices maintain lists
- Self-help groups in communities
- Savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs)
Government and Institutional Support
National Drought Management Authority (NDMA)
Mandate: Coordinate drought management and build resilience in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL).
Services:
- Early warning systems
- Emergency response coordination
- Resilience building programs
- Cash transfers during droughts
How to Benefit:
- Contact county NDMA office
- Register for programs
- Participate in community planning
Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP)
Funded by: World Bank
What It Does:
- Promotes climate-smart farming
- Supports farmer groups
- Provides matching grants for investments
- Technology demonstration
- Capacity building
Counties Covered: 24 counties (mainly ASAL and vulnerable areas)
How to Benefit:
- Form or join farmer group
- Register with county KCSAP office
- Apply for support
- Attend training
More Info: Contact county agriculture office
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Services:
- Research on climate-resilient crops and livestock
- Extension services
- Technology dissemination
- Farmer training
How to Access:
- Visit KALRO centers near you
- Attend field days and demonstrations
- Request extension officer visit
- Purchase improved seeds and breeds
Website: www.kalro.org
County Governments
Agriculture Department:
- Extension services (advice)
- Subsidized inputs sometimes
- Training and demonstrations
- Support for farmer groups
Climate Change Directorate (some counties):
- Climate adaptation programs
- Tree planting initiatives
- Environmental conservation
How to Access:
- Visit county agriculture office
- Ward agriculture extension officers
- Attend barazas and meetings
Financial Support
Agriculture Finance Corporation (AFC)
Loans For:
- Farm inputs
- Irrigation equipment
- Livestock purchase
- Farm development
Requirements:
- Collateral (land title or guarantors)
- Project proposal
- Interest rates variable
Offices: Across Kenya Website: www.agrifinance.org
Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT)
Women Farmers:
- Smaller loans (KES 10,000-100,000)
- Group lending (easier to access)
- Training included
Insurance
Agriculture Insurance Products:
- Crop insurance (some companies)
- Livestock insurance (KLIP and private)
- Index-based (pays out based on weather data, not farm inspection)
Benefits:
- Protects against total loss
- Easier to get loans if insured
- Peace of mind
Challenge: Premiums can be high for individual smallholders
Where: Check with major insurance companies (APA, Jubilee, CIC, Britam)
Community and NGO Support
NGOs Working on Climate Adaptation
International:
- World Food Programme (food security)
- FAO Kenya (agriculture)
- CARE Kenya
- Oxfam
Local:
- Kenya Red Cross
- Various community-based organizations
What They Offer:
- Training
- Inputs (seeds, tools)
- Water infrastructure
- Livelihood programs
How to Connect:
- Through county offices
- Community leaders
- Directly to NGO field offices
Long-Term Outlook
What Science Says
Future Projections for Kenya:
- Temperatures will continue rising
- Rainfall will remain unpredictable
- Extreme events more common
- Some areas may get wetter, others drier
- Growing seasons may shift
The Need for Transformation
Beyond Adaptation:
- May need to change what crops we grow
- Where we farm may change
- Some areas may become non-viable for certain agriculture
- Need major investments in water infrastructure
- Policy changes required
Opportunities
Not All Doom:
- New crops and varieties emerging
- Technology improving
- Renewable energy for farming
- Carbon markets (farmers can earn from conservation)
- Growing awareness and support
Conclusion
Climate change is fundamentally altering Kenyan agriculture, affecting livelihoods, food security, and the national economy. Unpredictable rains, droughts, floods, and changing seasons are the new normal. Every farmer must adapt to survive and thrive.
Adaptation is possible. Drought-tolerant crops, soil and water conservation, better livestock management, and access to climate information can help farmers cope. Government programs, research institutions, and NGOs offer support, though more is needed.
For Kenya to feed its growing population and maintain agricultural exports, investment in climate adaptation must increase. Farmers need accessible support, better infrastructure, affordable technology, and climate-responsive policies. At the same time, every farmer can take steps now - changing varieties, conserving water, diversifying crops, and staying informed.
Climate change is here, but Kenyan farmers have always been resilient. With the right support and their own ingenuity, they can adapt and continue to be the backbone of our economy and food security.