ADAPTING TO CHANGE: EXAMINING LIVELIHOOD CHALLENGES IN COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE IN KAPSOKWONY

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to mountain ecosystems worldwide, exacerbated by various anthropogenic stressors such as land encroachment, fragmentation, habitat degradation, and destruction. This complex interaction has far-reaching consequences for livelihoods, particularly in regions like Kapsokwony Division, Mt. Elgon Sub-County, where agriculture and ecosystem services play a vital role. As climate change and variability lead to erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns, agricultural productivity is declining, resulting in reduced soil fertility due to erosion and increased evapo-transpiration. According to the IPCC, temperature increases beyond 1.5°C - 2.5°C can have severe impacts on land productivity and livelihoods. In this context, households in Kapsokwony Division are predominantly reliant on crop farming, livestock rearing, and non-farm activities.