Vegetable Farmer’s Perception of Climate Variability and Adaptation Strategies in Kenema City, Eastern Sierra Leone

This study seeks to explore the perceptions of vegetable farmers of climate variability and adaptation strategies used to increase production. The study communities was purposefully selected because vegetable farming was carried out on large scale for decades. Thirty (30) vegetable farmers were randomly selected from three vegetable producing communities in Kenema City. Two (2) respondents were also randomly selected from the Horticulture Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and local traditional chiefs respectively. One (1) Environmental Protection Agency staff was also selected because they deal directly with the environment and climate related issues. The study outlined vegetable crops mainly grown in the selected communities which ranges from Lettuce to cucumber. Respondent's perception of Climate variability (temperature and rainfall) was unreliable and unpredicted. Some years high temperature conditions were experienced leading to heat waves, scarcity of water etc. and for other year's scarcity or heavy downpour of rain experienced leading to flooding. Various adaptive measures were used ranging from planting of improved vegetable variety to construction of irrigation and traditional dams in the gardens. It was concluded that climate variability affected their production and livelihood. It was therefore recommended that regular training and radio education programmes be carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and food Security and partners on vegetable farming and sustainable climate variability ad