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The changing rainfall patterns have had significant effects on Kenya’s rural population, which predominantly practices farming for subsistence and commercial purposes. A study on Arid land research and development reports a notable decline in rainfall over the past several decades in Eastern Kenya, particularly in Machakos and Makueni counties.

Farmers have observed shifts in rainfall onset and cessation, leading to shortened growing seasons. Additionally, the number of rainy days has reduced, while rainfall variability has increased, making traditional farming calendars unreliable.

These changes have negatively impacted crop yields and increased the risk of total crop failure. Farmers in these semi-arid regions are highly vulnerable, relying heavily on rain-fed agriculture, which is no longer predictable. Climate change has compounded issues such as soil degradation, food insecurity, and poverty in rural communities.

In response, farmers are adopting soil and water management practices such as terracing, mulching, contour farming, and water harvesting. These locally developed and tested interventions are aimed at increasing water retention and soil fertility, improving crop resilience despite erratic rainfall.

The Changing Climate Landscape

Over 50 years in Eastern Kenya (Machakos and Makueni), the study found a significant decline in total annual rainfall and increased variability in both onset and distribution of rains. Key planting seasons like March–May and October–December showed fewer rainy days and more erratic patterns, disrupting the traditional farming calendar.

These changes have led to lower crop yields, frequent crop failure, greater food insecurity, and reduced income stability for rain-fed farming communities.

The study identifies fifteen key soil and water management (SWM) practices adopted by farmers in Eastern Kenya, including terracing, zai pits, grass strips, contour farming, and water harvesting methods. Farmers implement these based on land size, slope, and rainfall trends.

Integration often happens through community workshops, NGO support, or traditional knowledge. The result is improved water retention, reduced runoff, enhanced soil fertility, and greater crop resilience despite erratic rainfall. These low-cost, locally adapted interventions are central to surviving climate stress.

The study notes that farmers face major obstacles, including limited financial resources, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to timely climate information or extension services. Adoption of sustainable soil and water practices is also hindered by labor intensity and knowledge gaps.

However, support from NGOs, research institutions, and local government, particularly in training and resource provision, has been instrumental in scaling the adoption of these practices across Machakos and Makueni. These partnerships are key to long-term resilience.

The study emphasizes that for long-term sustainability, soil and water management practices must be economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound. Scaling these practices requires continuous support from policy, education, and community networks. Integrating them into national agricultural strategies and increasing investment in local innovation can enhance widespread adoption. The report also highlights the importance of adapting technologies to local contexts for greater uptake.