Farmers’ vulnerability and adaptation to climate change around Queen Elizabeth National Park- Uganda

Abstract

This study analyzed the vulnerability and adaptation of Nyakiyumbu sub-county farmers to climate change and variability based on the socio-economic vulnerability assessment approach by developing a vulnerability index and comparing vulnerability indicators across the seven sub-county parishes. Eleven socio-economic indicators were identified and classified into three to reflect the three components of vulnerability: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data to assess the vulnerability and adaptation mechanisms considered to mitigate climate induced change on agriculture.

Parishes that emerged most vulnerable had a lower capacity to adapt. Furthermore, vulnerability was intrinsically linked with socio-economic development. Parishes which had high levels of infrastructure development, high literacy rates, and diversified income sources, were relatively low on the vulnerability index. The differences in the extent of vulnerability among parishes suggest that policy makers should develop parish - specific policies and address climate change at the local level. Investing in the development of underdeveloped parishes of Kayanzi and Muhindi and provision of drought-tolerant crop varieties for parishes with high drought exposure would reduce the vulnerability of Nyakiyumbu sub-county farmers to climate change.