Aneno Irene Apwoyochan2026-11-062026-11-062026http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/1153Climate change presents a significant global problem that greatly affects agriculture, especially in developing countries impacting small-scale farmers. This study focused on assessing the impact of climate change on smallholder cotton farmers’ risks, adaptation strategies, and vulnerability in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda. The study was conducted using a descriptive case study design involving qualitative and quantitative research approaches targeting 291 respondents including smallholder cotton farmers, government officials and Non-Governmental Organization. The study analyzed 188 fully filled household semi-structured questionnaires using SPSS, Pearson correlation coefficient and thematic analysis and (i) determined the perception of farmers to climate change risk, (ii) assessed coping mechanisms and (iii) identified factors that influence their vulnerability. Content analysis was used to analyze data of 7 key informant and 1 focus group discussion. The results indicate that farmers perceive erratic rainfall (70%) and increased temperatures (65%), as significant climate change risks. To adapt, they employ strategies such as crop diversification (60%) and using drought-resistant varieties (50%). Factors influencing vulnerability majorly include limited access to financial resources (75%), lack of climate information (68%). However, the challenges faced by farmers show weaker but still significant correlations with both community impacts (r=.240, p<.01) and adaptation hindrances (r=.226, p<.01), indicating that perceived problems align with actual climate vulnerabilities. In conclusion, smallholder cotton farmers are acutely aware of changing weather patterns, notably rainfall unpredictability, which they perceive regularly. Additionally, climate change is no longer a myth but a reality being experienced by smallholder farmers impacting on their farming activities and livelihood. My study recommends adoption of integrated approaches that advance access to both drought-resistant seed, financial resources and irrigation farming to ensure sustainable agricultural practices to strengthen resilience against climate change impacts.enThesis