Climate Change Effects on Agrochemical Use Trends and Health of Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya: Exploring Emerging Associations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t7059Abstract
In an ideal agricultural setting, climate-resilient practices are adopted to optimize crop production while minimizing health and environmental risks. However, in regions like Nakuru County, Kenya, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed and pest management heavily relies on agrochemicals, climate change has disrupted this balance. Shifting weather patterns have intensified pest and disease outbreaks, prompting increased agrochemical use, often without adequate training, regulation, or environmental safeguards. Despite the clear link between climate variability and agricultural practices, limited research has examined how farmers adapt their agrochemical use in response to climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts. This study aimed to determine the association between climate change and agrochemical use trends among Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive and analytical design was employed. The target population included Fresh Produce Farmers residing in Nakuru County for at least two years. A two-stage sampling technique, using probability proportional to size (PPS), was applied to select four sub-counties: Njoro, Kuresoi North, Molo, and Bahati. A total of 394 respondents were sampled using Cochran’s formula with a 10% non-response adjustment. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analysed using SPSS v28 for descriptive and inferential statistics, and NVivo for thematic analysis. Findings revealed that 98.7% of respondents were aware of climate change, and 96.4% observed increases in pest and disease pressure attributed to it. There was a significant association between observed climate change and agrochemical use decision-making (OR = 1.2, p < 0.05), and a weak negative association with methods of application (OR = 0.87, p = 0.01). Most farmers relied on peer advice or agronomists, and few adhered to pre-harvest intervals due to economic pressure and lack of enforcement. The study concludes that Climate variability has emerged as a major driver of agrochemical dependence among Fresh Produce Farmers in Nakuru County. Increased pest and disease pressures due to changing weather patterns have led to more frequent agrochemical use, often guided by informal advice and limited access to extension services. While farmers are aware of climate change, many lack the training and support needed to apply agrochemicals safely and effectively. To promote sustainable farming, the study recommends strengthening agricultural advisory systems, improving farmer training on safe agrochemical use, and promoting climate-smart alternatives such as bio pesticides and organic inputs. Clearer labelling, enforcement of pre-harvest intervals, and use of demonstration farms are also essential to support safer, more resilient agricultural practices.
Keywords: Climate Change, Agrochemical Use Trends, Fresh Produce Farmers, Nakuru County
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