Adoption of Purple Tea Farming as A Coping Mechanism to Climate Change, Kericho County, Kenya (2014)

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to almost 900 million people, 60 % of whom are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, FAO (2006). Africas farmers are among the most vulnerable to climate change, despite having the worlds lowest rate of greenhouse gas emissions per person, Charles et. al (2010). Higher temperatures, variations in rainfall patterns and more frequently occurring extreme climate events are threatening food security. With the current climatic conditions, purple tea is considered favorable in terms of productivity, health, market and resistance to changing weather patterns, Kamunya, (2015). Although, there are widespread adaptation measures under different sectors, they are not fully being realized due to socio-economic and other constraints, GoK (2010). The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative study design to generate meaningful conclusion, Creswell, J. W. , & Plano Clark, V. L. (2007). Various sampling techniques used involved, purposive, systematic, cluster stratified and random sampling to ensure representation of the whole area. Data was collected by use of CO2 and RGR algorithm, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, literature review, observation and photography. And, Data was analyzed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics to answer the research questions. The findings of the study are expected to work as a turning point for tea farmers to realize and acknowledge the benefits of purple tea farming as far as economic, environmental, health and other spheres are concerned. It is expected that the findings of this study will enable scientific researchers and policy makers make wise decisions regarding the adoption of available adaptation measures to achieve the sustainable development in Kenya.