Exploring variation in adaptation levels to climate extremes among farmers of the Kyoga Agro ecological zone in Uganda using a cross sectional design
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Date
2024-01-14
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Environmental Science
Abstract
Background Adaptation to climate change among smallholder farmers is a paramount step in achieving sustainable
livelihoods in line with SDG 1, 2 and 13 since these communities face significant challenges due climate extremes
which impacts on impacts on their only means of livelihood. Determining the levels in adaptation is crucial in under
standing the socio-economics of the impact of climate change in the rural communities. The study investigated adap
tation levels and determinants among smallholder farmers in the Kyoga Agro-ecology of Uganda.
Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey involving 384 face-to-face household interviews using structured
questionnaires was conducted. Farmers, selected based on climate change awareness, were targeted to respond
to their reported adaptation levels. Descriptive statistics analyzed adaptation levels among smallholder farmers
of various socioeconomic characteristics across different subzones. A Multinomial Logistic (MNL) model examined
the determinants of variation in adaptation levels.
Results Majority of the respondents, 85.9% in the BCMS and 93.8% in the TS sub zone observed that indeed climate
change is occurring. Female farmers in the TS subzone were significantly less likely to adopt 3–4 (p < 0.01) or 5–7
(p < 0.01) adaptation strategies compared to the base category (1–2 strategies), while the relationship in the BCMS
subzone was negative but not significant. Male farmers consistently demonstrated greater capacity to adopt higher
levels of adaptation strategies.
Annual income was positively and significantly related to adoption of 3—4 (P < z = 0.70) and 5—7 (P < z = 0.013). Also
Education was positively and significantly associated with adopting 5–7 adaptation strategies in both the TS and BCMS
subzones compared to the base category (1–2 strategies). Primary education showed significance at P < z = 0.05 in TS
(P < z = 0.018) and BCMS (P < z = 0.03), while secondary education was also significant in TS (P < z = 0.052) and BCMS
(P < z = 0.014). Essential support, particularly for female farmers, is crucial to bridge the gender gap.
Conclusion The findings are pivotal for informing the formulation of inclusive adaptation strategies among farmers
in various subzones. We recommend that the ongoing reforms in the National Adaptation Plans of Uganda and inter
national development frameworks in line with climate adaptation consider socio-economic disparities among famers
Description
Keywords
Adaptation levels, Climate Change, Inclusive smallholder planning, Kyoga Agro-ecological zone, Uganda
Citation
Oketcho, C., Mukwaya, P. I., Oriangi, G., & Kisira, Y. (2024). Exploring variation in adaptation levels to climate extremes among farmers of the Kyoga Agro ecological zone in Uganda using a cross sectional design. BMC Environmental Science, 1(1), 14.