Early Warning Systems and Household Food Security: Evidence from Bomet County, Kenya
Jane Kositany – Department of Development Studies, Kisii University, Kenya
Peter Gutwa Oino – Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies, Kisii University, Kenya
Daniel Angwenyi – Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies, Kisii University, Kenya
Email: kosymemoi@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract: Climate variability continues to threaten agricultural livelihoods and household food security among smallholder farmers who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture in Kenya. Although early warning systems (EWS) are widely promoted as a climate adaptation strategy, evidence of their effectiveness in improving household preparedness and food security at the local level remains limited. This study examined the influence of early warning systems on household preparedness and food security in Bomet County, Kenya. Guided by Human Capability Theory, Social-Ecological Systems Theory, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems Theory, the study adopted a descriptive mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 398 farming households, while qualitative data were generated through 15 key informant interviews and six focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings showed that timely climate information encouraged proactive adaptation, with over 72% of households adjusting planting calendars, adopting climate-resilient crop varieties, and improving food storage. Local radio, extension services, mobile phone alerts, and the Kenya Meteorological Department were the main information sources, while indigenous knowledge complemented scientific forecasts. However, delayed forecasts, poor localization, weak communication infrastructure, and socio-economic constraints reduced EWS effectiveness. The study concludes that integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific forecasting can strengthen household resilience and food security. It recommends expanding community-based climate information services and improving coordination among meteorological agencies, extension services, and local communities to deliver timely, accessible, and locally relevant climate information.
