Variation in small holder farmers’ perceptions and vulnerability to climate change in the Kyoga Plains of Uganda

Abstract

The study investigated the variation in the perception of, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change risks in relation to the socio-economic characteristics of small holder farmers in the Kyoga plains of Uganda. The specific objectives were to determine the variation in perception of climate change trends among the small holder farmers of different socioeconomic characteristics, assess the variation in the level of vulnerability to climate change among small holder farmers and to establish the variation in the level of climate change adaptation strategies adopted by the small holder farmers in different parts of the Kyoga plains. The cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study and a sample of 384 respondents was picked by multistage sampling. Data was analysed using Mann Kendal test, Principal Component Analysis, Multinomial Logit and ANOVA. Seasonal and decadal temperature had significant positive trends at different stations and sub zones over the years. Belonging to a group and age were found to have significant positive effect on farmers’ perception on climate while farming experience and access to information services had a significant negative effect. Vulnerability index correlation revealed a variation in the level of vulnerability between the different sub zones within the Kyoga plains with Kasodo the Teso System (TS) more vulnerable than the Banana Cotton Millet System (BCMS). There was a significant negative relationship between gender and the level of adaptation in the Teso System (TS) sub zone while in the Banana Cotton Millet System (BCMS) sub zone; income and education were positively and significantly related to the level of adaptation. There is need for strengthening networking among farmers for peer learning and support and location specific intervention measures to improve perception of climate change trends for each of the sub zones. Policy measures and development efforts should focus on place specific strategies of adapting to climate change given the variation that exists in the level of adaptation among farmers in the different sub zones. There is also need to refocus policy to nonfarm activities which are less susceptible to climate change and enhance farmers’ income. There is need for institutional, policy, financial and technological support.