Ecosystem-based adaptation to drought among agro-pastoral farmers in Kayunga district, Uganda

Abstract

The study examined Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to drought among Agro-pastoral farmers in Kayunga District. Specifically, the study examined farmer's perceptions of drought; identified the different EbA practices, and assessed the effectiveness of EbA practices among agro-pastoral farmers to cope with drought. The study was carried out using a cross sectional research design, and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interviews while secondary data was collected through document review. Quantitative data was managed using SPSS Version 19, and analyzed using frequency tables and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests. Qualitative data was managed using ATLAS.ti and analyzed using narrative analysis. The study findings revealed that the study area has experienced drought conditions for a very long time but the conditions were severe in November-March and June-September 2018. In response to the drought, most agropastoralists adopted wetland edge farming, fishing, mixed cropping, irrigation, fertilizer application and planting of drought resistant crops in order to cope with the drought conditions. In terms of effectiveness, irrigation was reponed to be the most effective EbA method. The study recommends: support to agro pastoral farmers acquire irrigation equipment's, construction of valley dams, strengthening policy on conversion of fragile ecosystems (wetlands and forests) to sugarcane farms, and supporting alternative livelihoods for agro pastoral famers.