Abstract
Climatic changes globally and regionally have impacted livelihoods and this necessitates measures to help households adapt. However, the adaptation measures should be based on sound knowledge of the climatic changes and variability in specific regions. A study was carried out to establish the reality of climate change and variability based on long term observed precipitation trend and pattern in Baringo County. Monthly rain gauge observed precipitation data for 30 years (1974-2003) was sourced from Kenya Metrological Department for seven weather stations located in different parts of the County. Theissen Polygon and Arithmetic Average station methods were used to measure the mean areal precipitation for the larger Baringo County and its two sub-counties i.e Mogotio and Baringo south. Both Theissen Polygon and Arithmetic Average station methods showed a decrease of 4.72mm and 2.41 mm of precipitation per year respectively, indicating a general decreasing trend in mean areal precipitation, which suggests that the rainfall has been decreasing and the pattern oscillating in the study area. The coefficient of variability of the precipitation is highest 30% at Lake Bogoria followed by Snake Farm and Perkerra station each at 29%, all in the lowlands. These location specific precipitation trends, patterns and variation demonstrate evidence of climate change and variability in Baringo County. The study recommends that adaptation strategies to climate change and variability should be location specific.
Presenters
Gideon Muchiri GideonChief Research Scientist, Livestock, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Rift Valley, Kenya
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Key words: Precipitation, Theissen polygon, Adaptation and Climate Change
