Factors influencing SMEs' coping strategies to climate variability and change in Kajiado County

Abstract

This study was undertaken in Kajiado county to determine the influence of awareness and knowledge, resource availability, technology capacity and size of the organization on SMEs' coping strategies to climate variability and change. The research design utilized for the study was descriptive. The research targeted registered SMEs in Ongata Rongai Sub County, with 372 SMEs according to the records in the sub-county. Due to the limited number, a census of all the SMEs was conducted and the owners of the SMEs were the respondents. The collection of primary data involved the utilization of structured questionnaires that incorporate a series of closed-ended questions. The study used a multivariate probit (MVP) to determine how the independent variable relates to the dependent variable, The results show that SMEs in Kajiado County adopt coping strategies to climate variability and change as complements. Results also show that the availability of financial resources, access to climate change information, technology capacity and organization size are the major determinants of the coping strategy adopted. In Kajiado County, where the impacts of climate variability and change are increasingly evident, fostering awareness and knowledge among SMEs is pivotal for economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Implementing a series of recommendations can significantly contribute to a positive impact on climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Targeted awareness campaigns should be initiated, specifically designed for SMEs operating in the region. These campaigns facilitated through collaborations with local environmental organizations and community leaders, aim to educate businesses about the current and potential implications of climate change. Workshops, seminars, and training sessions can serve as valuable platforms for disseminating information on climate-resilient business practices. Harnessing available technology is pivotal for SMEs in Kajiado County to effectively cope with the challenges posed by climate variability and change. There is a need to promote the adoption of climate-smart technologies among SMEs. This involves encouraging the use of advanced weather forecasting tools and data analytics that provide real-time, localized information on climate patterns.