Assessment of effectiveness of rural livelihoods within current climate variability :

Abstract

Climate variability is a global reality and influencing sources of livelihoods among rural farmers where their capacity to cope cannot be guaranteed as sure solutions. The main aim of this study was to find out the ways by which peasant farmers in Arapai Sub County are able to sustain their livelihoods and health under the current climatic variability in Soroti district. The objectives were to find out the ways by which peasant farmers in Arapai Sub County are able to sustain their livelihoods and health under the current climatic variability, To find out the major cropping types practiced under existing local habitat environments, find out reasons for successful cultivation of the different types of cash crops and food crops grown, To determine local methods of farming communities use to secure adequate food supplies during harsh weather conditions, To determine the contributing factors that have led to reduced crop yields in Arapai sub county Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect data, and this involved use of secondary data. Observation, interview, and use of questionnaires. The data collected from 60 respondents was analyses using SPSS 6.0 an Excel starter packages and presented by use of pie charts, bar graphs, histograms. The study revealed that the major crop type grown in Arapai Sub County is majorly food crops which is for home consumption and it’s the major source of livelihoods. Major ways in which farmers are able to sustain their livelihoods under the current climate variability and changes of climate is my mixing crops shown by the much percentages of the respondents who mixed their crops. Also, by planting crops early when the rains set, a bigger percentage of the respondents grow crops for the two seasons so as to get more yields. it was revealed that the major contributing factor for reduced crop yields was, climate this is inform of high temperatures, drought, floods, pests and diseases, small land size holdings, low level of education of the farmers which influences the use and adoption of the modern technologies for the farming. It is recommended from this study that the farmers adapt new farming methods, mix crops, plant more improved seeds to improve the yields, form farmers’ association to help them lobby for help from the organizations.