The Effect of Carbon Sequestration on Farmers’ Income: A Case Study of Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the study was to assess the effect carbon sequestration has on farmers’ income. This objective was achieved by comparing how the carbon value, crop and livestock farming influence farmers’ income for smallholder farmers working under Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP) and those of the control group, that is, farmers practicing traditional methods. The study also compared margins from crop farming between the two groups of smallholder farmers to assess their level of agricultural productivity.

Methodology - The study followed a descriptive statistics approach and more specifically a case study research design. Stratified random sampling was used to select thirty one participants for purposes of the study. In addition, the study employed more of quantitative than qualitative research approaches for data collection and analyses; correlation and multi linear regression analyses so as to complement the validity and reliability of the results.

Findings - The results confirmed that indeed carbon sequestration does have an impact on farmers’ income. Farmers practicing sustainable agricultural land management practices are able to maximise their output using cost efficient means and are able to fetch higher margins compared to their counterparts using traditional means.

Implications - Governmental agencies need to strengthen their environmental policies to encourage sustainable agricultural practices. This will aid alleviate poverty from increased agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and enable farmers become resilient to climate change. The policies will also enhance capacity building, research and community development in incorporating carbon sequestration projects into the carbon markets.  This will create a socio-economic transformation that will create more jobs and scale up the agro-sector.

Value - Carbon sequestration through agro forestry among other sustainable agricultural practices is an untapped potential to realize in part the country’s vision 2030; poverty elimination and achievement of 10% forest cover. Farmers are urged to take advantage of climate smart agricultural practices that reduce environmental degradation and conserve resources while boosting income through improved crop yields and profitable systems such as carbon revenue and indirect income from carbon. In the process, farmers become food secure and resilient to climate change. This will in turn create more jobs and scale up the agro-sector which is the main driver of our country’s economy.

Key Words: Carbon Sequestration, Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP), Farmer’s Income