This comprehensive course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess the vulnerability of agricultural systems to climate change. It starts with crafting the background and problem statement, research questions, objectives, and justification and significance of the study. The literature review follows, exploring climate change, its causes, global impacts, and specific impacts on a country, as well as the relationship between climate change and farming communities.
The data and methods section covers data sources and descriptions, study area, and conceptual framework. It includes methods for assessing climate change and variability, socio-economic conditions, and coping strategies, along with analytical tools used in the study.
In the chapter on change in climate and variability in the Rukuriri Tea Catchment Area, there is an analysis of temperature changes and farmers’ perceptions of climate change, as well as a discussion on rainfall patterns and the frequency of droughts.
The course then examines the biophysical setup and socio-economic condition of households in the tea catchment area, followed by an overview of diversification, including other crops grown by respondents and reasons for diversification, and livestock ownership among farmers.
The course also delves into adopted coping strategies by farmers to minimize vulnerability to climate shocks, emphasizing the importance of group memberships and contact with agricultural extension agents.
Finally, the synthesis and discussion chapter provides a synthesis of climate variability, socio-economic conditions, and coping strategies, leading to conclusions and recommendations to increase the adaptive capacity of small-holder tea farmers. This course will equip students with a deep understanding of climate change impacts on agriculture and the necessary strategies for enhancing resilience and sustainability among small-holder farmers.
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