ECO BOUNTY PARKS

 Pre-Colonial Era: Diverse ethnic groups inhabited the region, with rich cultural traditions and agricultural practices.

 Colonial Period (1895 -1963): British colonization led to significant land dispossession, particularly affecting the Kikuyu people. The introduction of cash crops like tea and coffee transformed the agricultural landscape.  

 Post Independence (1963 Present): Kenya gained independence in 1963, leading to land reforms and the establishment of a mixed economy. The country has faced political instability, economic challenges, and social inequalities.

GDP Composition: Agriculture contributes approximately 21% to Kenya’s GDP, employing about 54% of the workforce.

Key Sectors: Besides agriculture, key sectors include industry and manufacturing as well as services like tourism. The economy has diversified, but agriculture remains crucial for food security and employment.

Trade: Kenya is a significant exporter of tea, coffee, horticultural products, and flowers. The country is also part of regional trade agreements like the East African Community (EAC)

Smallholder Farmers: Most farmers are smallholders, typically cultivating 0.3 to 3 hectares. They rely on subsistence farming and face challenges crop inputs and accessing markets.

Diversity of Crops: Common crops include maize, tea, coffee, and horticultural products. Farmers often grow a mix of cash and food crops to mitigate risks.

Adaptation Strategies: Farmers are increasingly adopting climate smart agricultural practices to enhance resilience against climate variability.

Temperature Increases: Average temperatures in Kenya have risen by approximately 1°C since 1960, with more significant increases in arid regions.

Impact on Agriculture: Climate change has led to declining productivity in staple crops like maize and wheat, with yields often below regional averages. For instance, maize yields were reported at 1.1 tonnes/ha compared to the Sub-Saharan average of 1.43 tonnes/ha.

Furthermore, rainfall patterns have changed with higher than average precipitation during shorter periods which extends the arid season.

Climate related events, such as droughts and erratic rainfall, have exacerbated food insecurity, affecting millions. In 2023, over 30% of the population faced food insecurity.

Limited Irrigation: Less than 0.16% of arable land is irrigated, making farmers highly vulnerable to climate variability. This lack of irrigation limits agricultural productivity and resilience.

Economic Vulnerability: The agricultural sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Kenya, primarily from livestock. This sector’s vulnerability to climate change impacts economic stability and food security.

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA): Initiatives aim to integrate agricultural development with climate responsiveness, enhancing productivity while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Engagement: Farmers are increasingly aware of climate change and are adopting adaptive measures, though access to resources and information remains a barrier.

Policy Support: Government and NGOs are working to promote sustainable practices, improve access to markets, and enhance resilience through education and technology transfer.