THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE VARIATION ON MANGO PRODUCTION IN KIBWEZI SUB COUNTY, MAKUENI COUNTY IN KENYA

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica) is the second most popular fruit within the tropics after banana. It is grown commercially in more than 90 countries globally and consumed in both processed and fresh forms (Mujuka et al., 2020). However, its productivity is adversely affected by severe climatic conditions caused by climate change. Change in rainfall patterns, extreme weather conditions such as drought and floods have become more frequent. This change in climatic conditions is projected to continue in the future. This research project sought to establish the effects of temperature variation on mango production in Kibwezi sub county, Makueni County in Kenya the objective of the study was to assess the effects of temperature variation on mango production in Kibwezi sub county, Makueni County in Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive research design to investigate the effects of climate change in Mango production in Kibwezi East Sub County -Makueni County. The research utilized the questionnaire as the main research instrument to collect data from 398 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using frequency distribution tables and bar charts while qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the objectives and research questions and presented in form of narrative. The findings revealed that there exists a strong and positive correlation between temperature variation and mango production (r = 0.752, p= 0.000). And that a unit increase in temperature variation will lead to a 0.195 increase in mango production. The study recommends that the national government in conjunction with the county government focus more resources and into mitigating climate change effects so as to maximize mango production.