Njeru Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7 (10), pp. 275-281, December 2017. ISSN: 2276-7770 Research Article Manuscript Number: 110217162 (DOI: http://doi.org/10.15580/GJAS.2017.10.110217162) Climate Change Vulnerability and Response Measures for Enhancing Coping Strategies by Marginalized Groups in Meru County, Kenya Lucy Karega Njeru, PhD Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Embu P. O. 6-60100 Embu, Kenya. Abstract Kenya like other sub-Saharan African countries face uncertainty and potential risks of climate change and have been integrating climate considerations into various legal and governance instruments. Progress has been made in planning and implementing policies, projects and programs in key economic sectors in order to enhance coping strategies and participation of marginalized groups in policy making. The research assessed the climate change response measures in Meru County and focused on 20 stakeholders from each of the sampled Sub County namely Igembe North, Igembe Central and Igembe South. The research was guided by two objectives and a stakeholders’ questionnaire was used to solicit the data that was required for the research. The collected data was cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS version, while frequency tables and percentages summarized and presented the quantitative results. The results showed varied risks faced in Igembe in the context of climate change, for instance food and water insecurity which was very dominant. The results revealed some policy being undertaken by the County Government and other stake holders to enhance participation of marginalized groups in policy matters with (83.3%) policy on community capacity building through environmental education, encouraging adaptation of high value crops (81.7%) and policy on social protection for instance, conflict resolution education (48.3%). The finding further revealed key Climate Change Actors in the Count, for instance; the Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya Forest Station, Food and Agriculture Organization among others. These findings will contribute to the policy-makers, development practitioners and governments’ efforts of finding more innovative ways of creating targeted interventions for promoting climate resilience, enhancing coping strategies and participation of marginalized groups in policy issues. Key Words: Agriculture, Climate Change, Policy Measures, Coping Strategies, Marginalized. Return to Content View [Full Article – PDF] [Full Article – HTML] [Full Article – EPUB] Post-review Rundown View/get involved, click [Post-Review Page] References Adimo, A. Njoroge, J. Claessens, L., & Wamocho, L. (2012). Land use and climate change adaptation strategies in Kenya. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 17(2), 153-171. Atela, J. Quinn, C. & Minang, P. (2014). Are REDD Projects Pro-poor in their Spatial Targeting? Evidence from Kenya. Applied Geography, 52, 14-24. Field, C. (2012). Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation: Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. Füssel, H. & Klein, R. (2006). Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments: An Evolution of Conceptual Thinking. Climatic Change, 75(3), 301-329. Goh, A. (2012). A literature Review of the Gender-Differentiated Impacts of Climate Change on Women’s and Men’s Assets and Well-being in Developing Countries. International Food Policy Research Institute, CAPRi Work. Silvestri, S., Bryan, E., Ringler, C., Herrero, M., & Okoba, B. (2012). Climate Change Perception and Adaptation of Agro-pastoral Communities in Kenya. Regional Environmental Change, 12(4), 791-802. UNEP (2008). Green Jobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World. Report Commissioned and Funded by UNEP, as part of the Joint UNEP, ILO, IOE, ITUC Green Jobs Initiative. UNDP (2009). Linking Climate Change Policies to Human Development Analysis and Advocacy. A Guidance Note for Human Development Report Teams, November 2009. UNDP (2013). Human development report 2013. New York.
