Climate change adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers :

Abstract

Uganda is an agrarian country dominated by subsistence farming which is highly vulnerable to climate change. This study was therefore carried out to assess the different adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers' in response to climate change and variability in Kakooge Sub-county, Nakasongola district. The specific objectives were to; (1) analyse potential evidences of climate change based on water storage, drought stress and smallholder farmer's perception of climate change; (2) identify existing adaptation strategies and (3) determine the factors influencing farmers' level of adoption. Primary data was collected from 150 smallholder farmers using survey questionnaires. Monthly Rainfall and Potential Evapotranspiration data was sourced from UNMA and the ICP AC website for downscaling. In data management I generated frequency distribution tables, graphs and came up with other statistical conclusions. According to the findings, it was observed that drought stress in Kakooge has increased over the past years. Water storage had varied, less water stored in the June, July and August seasons. The humid months of October and November stored more water in most years. This was largely due to the long rains experienced during this season. Smallholder farmers' perceptions of climate change were consistent with the analysis results for the existing potential evidences of climate change. Farmers recognized that temperatures had increased over time and there were persistent droughts. This is closely similar to the drought stress computations. Results also confirmed that the respondents believed climate change was real and mainly caused by human activities. Deforestation, charcoal burning and swamp drainage for agriculture were stated to be the most common causes. Some of the adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers included mixed cropping, agroforestry, crop diversification and change of planting dates. Most of the farmers who practiced agroforestry and crop diversifications said they were effective practices. Farm size, education levels, access to credit and information on climate change were found to be the factors that influenced engagement in adaptation strategies. From the study results, it can be concluded that Nakasongola district is becoming more water stressed as the water storage potential has declined and the drought periods are becoming frequent. words: Climate change, Drought stress, Water storage, Climate change adaptation strategies.