Benjamin Kariuki, a father of 5, lives in Gachoka division of Mbeere district in semi-arid Kenya. Every year he plants maize and beans to feed his family, but he depends on rain to water his crops. Benjamin believes that climate change is a reality, causing both higher temperatures and more volatile rainfall patterns. This year, he planted in January when the rains started, but lost the crop when the rains stopped. He planted again in February and a third time in March. The last time, he could only plant part of his field as he had no more seeds left and no more money to buy them.

The effects of climate change can be particularly severe for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, who rely almost exclusively on rainfall for crop production and have limited capacity to adapt.

For more information on climate change and agriculture visit IFPRI's climate change page.