Households in Nakuru are increasingly relying on a mix of coping strategies to navigate the growing pressure of climate shocks and rising food insecurity, according to findings from the Household Climate and Food Systems Resilience Survey

‎‎The data paints a picture of communities under strain yet actively adapting in the face of repeated environmental and economic challenges.

‎‎Notably, the survey, which sampled 123 households representing 32 percent of the study population, shows that the most common immediate response has been purchasing food on credit, reported by 43 households.

‎‎This is closely followed by reliance on relief aid, with 42 households depending on external support. At the same time, 36 households have reduced meal sizes or frequency, while 34 households are turning to stored food reserves.

‎‎Together, these trends point to a widening gap between food availability and household purchasing power.

‎‎Moreover, some families are taking more drastic measures to stay afloat. About 25 households reported selling livestock to cope with financial stress, while, interestingly, 30 households have attempted to rebuild by purchasing replacement animals a pattern described as unique to Nakuru.

‎‎This suggests a cycle of loss and recovery that reflects both vulnerability and resilience within farming communities.

‎‎However, despite these efforts, long-term adaptation remains limited. Only 10 percent of households reported adopting smart farming practices, highlighting a significant gap in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural approaches.

‎‎The report warns that without broader adoption of such practices; households may remain trapped in short-term coping mechanisms rather than transitioning to lasting solutions.

‎‎The challenges are further compounded by the nature of climate shocks experienced over the past year. More than 40 percent of households reported crop failure, making it the most prevalent agricultural shock.

‎‎In addition, frequent cycles of flooding and drought have disrupted farming calendars, while land degradation, soil erosion, and emerging pollution risks continue to undermine productivity.

‎‎At the same time, Nakuru’s economy remains heavily agriculture-based, making it particularly vulnerable to these environmental stressors. High farm input costs have further strained farmers, limiting their ability to invest in adaptive technologies or improved practices.

‎‎Nevertheless, there are signs of social resilience, especially among women. The survey indicates that 66.4 percent of women actively participate in community groups the highest rate among surveyed counties suggesting strong grassroots networks that could support collective action.

‎‎Even so, a critical gap persists including the absence of ward-based contingency plans means that communities often respond to crises reactively rather than through coordinated preparedness strategies.

‎‎As climate variability intensifies, the report recommended for stronger policy frameworks, increased investment in climate-smart agriculture, and localized planning systems.

‎‎Ultimately, while households in Nakuru continue to demonstrate resilience through diverse coping mechanisms, the findings underscore an urgent need to shift from survival strategies to sustainable adaptation pathways that can secure food systems in the long term.

‎‎The survey was conducted by Care Kenya and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) under the Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) project.

‎muthoniw813@gmail.com

Survey: 32 percent of Nakuru households purchase food items on credit

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Muthoni Wanjiku