Tea Farmers' Perceptions of the Influence of Climate Variability on Dodder Occurrence in Nandi County, Kenya

Climate variability continues to adversely impact agricultural systems globally. From the literature, it is reported that there has been an unprecedented emergence of pests and diseases associated with climate change and variability among other factors. In Kenya, crop cultivation and yield are affected primarily by changing climatic conditions, pests, and diseases. Of major concern in counties of Kenya, are the impacts of climate variability and parasitic dodder (Cuscuta spp.) on tea cultivation and production. From the literature, little is reported on the continuing invasion and effects of parasitic dodder on tea farming. This study aimed to assess tea farmer perceptions on the role of climate variability on the occurrence of dodder in Nandi. An exploratory survey design was utilized for this study. Using the Yamane Formula, a sample size of 392 was drawn from the Kenya Tea Development Agency tea farmers to represent the study. Primary data obtained from the administered questionnaires was extracted, collated, classified, and analysed (p≤0.05) with the aid of the Statistical Package of Social Sciences. Rainfall and temperature data for the County was obtained from the Kenya Meteorological Department from 1992 to 2022. Mann-Kendall Trend Analysis showed a significant increase in temperature denoted by a Sen’s slope= 0.031 and a strong positive correlation of Kendall’s Tau 0.554 indicated an increase at p<0.000. Rainfall showed an increasing trend Sen’s slope= 5.618 was not statistically significant at p= 0.341 with a weak correlation of Kendall’s Tau= 0.123. On the influence of rainfall and temperature on dodder occurrence, 95.6%, and 68.9% of the respondents perceived that long rainy (March to May) and cold (June to August) seasons increased its intensity. While 69.8% of the respondents perceived a moderate intensity of dodder during the hot season (December to February). In conclusion, climate variability has influenced the spread of dodder on tea farms. The study recommends further research to examine the effectiveness of different Integrated Pest Management strategies under varying climate conditions.