Effects of floods on smallholder crop production in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Smallholder farmers encounter crop losses consequent to floods in eastern Uganda. It is envisaged that with increasing climate variability, flooding effects on smallholder crop production will increase. Yet, information to guide adaptation and resilience building strategies is limited. This study used cross sectional data to determine the effects of floods on agricultural production in Bukedea and Kapelebyong Districts. Findings showed that grain and root crop losses consequent to floods approximated 35 and 60% of expected output, respectively. This significantly effects crop output and smallholder household food security. Therefore, interventions targeting reduction of output loss and drudgery consequent to floods would unravel flooding effects on crop production. Keywords: Floods; Smallholder; Crop; Output; Loss