Abstract:
Community vulnerability to climate change can be conceptualized as an aggregate of three vulnerability components: exposure to climatic stress, sensitivity to climate stress and adaptive capacity. However, even within similar
regions these vulnerability components are spatially differentiated necessitating the understanding of a regions vulnerability pattern before targeting adaptation assistance. This research sought to understand the differentiated
vulnerability patterns of communities in Kitui County as well as the existing
coping strategies to guide implementation of adaptation assistance. Indicator
approach to vulnerability assessment and focus group discussions were used
to understand the vulnerability pattern and coping strategies respectively.
Results showed a differentiated vulnerability pattern with a west to east gradient across Kitui County. The pattern exhibited less vulnerability scores on
the western and central parts and more vulnerability scores on the eastern
and northern parts of the County. Existing coping strategies have become
inadequate with increasing climate variability, severity and frequency of extreme climate events, which render the communities even more vulnerable.
The patterns of vulnerability can guide appropriate targeting of adaptation
assistance and in turn lead to improved climate change resilience and community livelihoods.
