Chapter One
The Effect of Climate Change on Livelihoods in Eastern Africa: A Case Study of Kenya
Background Information
Climate change has evoked various emotions amongst the public leading to heated discussions surrounding the subject (Lackner, Chen & Suzuki, 2016). Antilla (2005) argues that the mass media’s coverage of climate change does not make it any easier for experts to share the reality of climate change to the public. This is because the mass media very often shifts its focus to the rhetoric that puts a lot of emphasis on the controversy, uncertainty, and climate scepticism. In fact, according to Greitemeyer (2013), climate change skeptic films heavily influence the public’s concern for the environment and indeed climate change. As such, the public needs to understand the definition, causes, and effects of climate change to take the threat of climate change seriously and try to mitigate its effects.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2018), climate change refers to a change in the state of the climate, which is identified through changes in the mean and/ or variability of its properties as observed for an extended period (10 years or longer). However, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines climate change as the change in climate that is directly or indirectly caused by human activity that alters the composition of the globe’s atmosphere and varies from the natural climate as observed over a period (Boadu, 2016). This then brings about the important aspect of climate change attributable to human activities and that which is brought about by natural causes.
Some of the natural causes of climate change include volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, the Earth’s orbital changes, solar variations, and internal variability. Volcanic eruptions emit large quantities of solid particles and gaseous substances into the atmosphere within a short period. The resulting ash clouds block sunlight and darken the skies hence reduce solar heating (Cole-Dai, 2010). According to NASA (2019), large-scale volcanic activity only lasts several days. However, the gases and ash that are released into the atmosphere influence the climate patterns for years. Further, volcanic eruptions cause short-term climate changes hence contributing to natural climate change. On the other hand, oceans play a key role in regulating climate especially when it comes to neutralizing the effects of rising global temperatures as well as the rising levels of greenhouse gases (Reid et al, 2009). The ocean stores most of the energy that reaches the Earth from the sun thus acting as the globe’s heat buffer. As such, oceans help postpone the consequences of climate change and severe climate change impacts. When ocean currents are consistent, they keep regions from experiencing large seasonal swings. However, when ocean currents are unstable, could lead to large shifts in weather patterns and regional climate (Herr & Galland, 2009).
A change in the Earth’s orbit can also trigger changes in climate. However, it is important to note that such changes are gradual and are only noticeable over centuries or decades. Changes in the Earth’s tilt causes changes in the strengths of the seasons. For example, when the earth tilts more, the results are warmer summers and colder winters. Solar variations are also known to cause changes in climate. The sun’s energy output is not constant and such small changes over a long period may lead to climate change. Finally, climate change is also caused by interactions within the climate itself (internal variability). For example, the El Nino and La Nina cycle cause fluctuations in temperatures between the ocean and atmosphere (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2019).
When it comes to human causes to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions quickly come to mind. They include Carbon IV Oxide, Nitrous Oxide, Sulphur Hexachloride, Methane, and Chlorofluorocarbons. These gases accumulate in the atmosphere hence blocking heat from escaping. Greenhouse gas emissions are caused by human activities such as industrialization, agriculture, transportation, etc. Overall, climate change poses many risks to the human race. According to Kaddo (2016), climate change causes natural calamities to intensify in strength hence they can do more damage. He argues that warmer temperatures cause the ocean to become warmer. A warmer atmosphere, therefore, releases more energy into the atmosphere. As such, when hurricanes and tornados start, they pick energy from the atmosphere, which is now greater than usual. Ultimately, hurricanes and tornados become more intense because of the energy increase in the atmosphere. The opposite is also true where colder temperatures give less energy hence less intense tornados and hurricanes. Apart from that, climate change also results in the shrinking of ice sheets. Ice melting at the poles will lead to sea levels rising.
A major concern is that islands face the risk of becoming totally covered by water and disappearing (Kaddo, 2016). With 125 billion tons of ice melting annually in Greenland and West Antarctic, the Earth could experience 6 feet of sea-level rise in this century. According to Jackson (2018), climate change will lead to changes in rainfall patterns. In some areas, the amount of rainfall will increase significantly while in some a decrease in the amount of rainfall will be experienced. In addition, droughts and heats waves are expected to intensify. Heatwaves are periods in which abnormally hot weather is experienced for a long period (days or weeks). The rising temperatures are set to reduce soil moisture hence intense droughts.
For the purpose of this research project, it is important to explore the meaning of the word livelihoods to make it easier to study the effects of climate change. Chambers and Conway (1991) state that a livelihood is comprised of people, their capabilities, and their means of living, which includes income, food, and assets. Tangible assets refer to resources and stores. On the other hand, intangible assets refer to claims and access. This definition will be important for this research, as it will help narrow down how the change in climate over time has affected people and their way of living.
Problem Statement
Scientists have claimed that climate change will have adverse effects not only on weather patterns but also on the livelihoods of people across the globe. Chambers and Conway’s (1991) definition of a livelihood focuses on people’s capabilities and most importantly their means of living. They emphasize people’s income, food, and assets. These three areas or fields are essential for the survival of human beings. Human beings need an income to be able to afford their expenses/ pay bills for essential services (rent, water, electricity, food, etc.). Apart from this, income enables people to live comfortable lives, as they are able to afford luxuries such as going on vacations. It is important to note that incomes are earned from working in various professions. Among the professions affected by climate change in agriculture. This is because climate change reduces rainfall in some areas and intensifies natural calamities such as drought by reducing moisture in the soil (Jackson, 2018). Additionally, people’s means living also highlights food. With climate change affecting weather patterns, agricultural activities are bound to be affected. As such, food production will also be affected. It is therefore important to explore these problems in light of climate change.
Research Objectives
General Objectives
To determine the effects of climate change on the livelihoods of people living in the Eastern African region.
Specific Objectives
- To determine the effects of climate change on the incomes of people living in the Eastern African region
- To determine the effects of climate change on food production in the Eastern African Region.
Research Questions
- What are the effects of climate change on people’s income in the Eastern African Region?
- What are the effects of climate change on food production in the Eastern African Region?
Significance of the Study
The results of this study will highlight the effects of climate change on food production in countries in the Eastern Africa region as well as the incomes of people living in these areas. As such, policymakers in these regions might be interested in using such data in order to make policies that will protect their citizens from the harmful effects of climate change. In addition, policymakers will be able to come up with policies that seek to reduce the contributions of their citizens’ activities to climate change. This may include policies that ensure fewer greenhouses being emitted into the atmosphere. Ultimately, this will help contribute towards several sustainable development goals (SDG). These include Climate Action (goal 13) and Life on Land (goal 15).
Scope of the Study
This study will focus primarily on climate change and its effects on food production as well as the level of income of people living in the Eastern African Region. As such, the countries included in this study include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia.
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