Climate change perception and adaptive strategies among smallholder coffee farmers Sheema-district, south-western Uganda.

Abstract

The study focused on climate change perception and adaptive strategies among smallholder coffee farmers in Sheema District Southwestern Uganda. The specific objectives for the study were; describe how smallholder coffee farmers in Sheema District perceive climate change, examine the perceived impacts of climate variability on coffee production by smallholder coffee farmers and identify adaptive strategies to climate variability by smallholder coffee farmers In Sheema District. The study adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive design, and the study methods used were; Questionnaire survey, Key informant interviews, Field observations and Documentary review. The study found out that coffee farmers had varying perceptions on climate change. They reported changes In rainfall onset and cessation, duration, frequency, intensity and predictability. It was alleged that there had been a drastic reduction in rainfall and an increase in temperatures across the district. The status of coffee management and production was generally poor in terms of performance, quantity, quality and yield as a result of rainfall and temperature changes. The study further discovered various climate change adaptive mechanisms used by farmers such as; rain water harvesting, agroforestry, small scale irrigation, afforestation, soil and moisture conservation, growing resistant varieties and integrated pest and disease management. However, choices of adaptive mechanisms relied heavily on factors like education of the household head, farm size, farming experience, economic status, and access to credit services and land ownership type. Adjusted odd ratios were calculated and significant determinant factors interpreted at 95% confidence interval and 5% level of significance. Ten (10) determinant factors were hypothesized and among them, eight (8) factors remained significant. From the study findings, it can be concluded that coffee farmers perceived climate change as extended dry season due to shifting and decreasing rainfall. On causes of climate change and variability, deforestation and degradation of natural resources was noted as the primary causes however, overgrazing and bush fire also contribute to climate change and variability. Farmers' perception on change in rainfall patterns, shortened length of rainy season and change in planting time/date were noted. This gives rise to the need to design appropriate strategies for reducing vulnerability to climate change and variability. At the same time, there must be deliberate efforts for improving and protecting the environment as well as providing environmental management education to farmers.