3.

2 Research Design

A mixed research design which involved the use of triangulation method was

adopted as the research study was quantitatively and qualitatively done. The

advantage of using a mixed research design was that it was useful in understanding

contradictions between quantitative results and qualitative findings. Triangulation

method was used since it involved obtaining data from different sources and this

assisted in cross checking the results which consequently helped to increase validity,

and reliability of the findings. This study obtained data from primary sources which

included; field observation, household questionnaires and government officials'

interviews. Secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished

documents, meteorological data and maize yield data. This method helped to ensure

sufficient data and information was collected to explain the effects of climate

variability on maize yield in Trans- Nzoia County.