Assessing the status of ecosystem-based adaptation practices among pastoral communities of Nakaseke district

Abstract

Natural resources dependent communities especially those found in developing countries are highly vulnerable to climate change and variability due to their dependence on natural ecosystems. The impacts impose challenges such as forage and water scarcity, resulting in livestock starvation and death which ultimately severely affects the lives and livelihoods of people dependent on natural resources. The study therefore seeks to assess the status of ecosystem-based adaptation practices among pastoral communities of Nakaseke district. Specifically, two objectives guided the study, (1) To evaluate existing ecosystem-based adaptation practices among pastoral communities, (2) To assess the socio-economic determinants of and barriers to the uptake of ecosystem-based adaptation practices. A household survey was conducted using questioners and a total of 100 respondents were involved in the study. Data was analyzed using frequencies and these were ranked so as to evaluate existing ecosystem-based adaptation practices, and cross tabulations were used to asses socio-economic determinants of and barriers to uptake of ecosystem-based adaptation practices. The study concludes that there is an increase in dry seasons due to increase in human activities like deforestation, drought negatively affects livestock farmers through death, starvation and pastoralists are willing to practice Ecosystem-based practices. I therefore recommend development and implementation of response strategies and actions to deal with drought through practicing some Ebas that can support livestock farmers during such seasons. The actions should be undertaken jointly by government, development partners and the communities.