Constraints and Opportunities for Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Nakasongola District

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the community perspectives on climate change and variability, its effects on agriculture and livelihoods in Nakasongola district and what community-based adaptation measures are employed to deal with these effects. Using a cross-sectional survey, 104 randomly selected respondents were interviewed and two focus group discussions conducted. Nearly all respondents perceived weather to have changed within the last 5 to 10 years. Water and food shortage were the main effects of the changing weather conditions on persons. The main effect on livestock was lack of pasture and water. The major effect of the extreme weather events on the crops was the drying. There is also a decline in crop yields. The community-based adaptation measures employed included crop diversification, engaging in groups, changing planting dates, planting trees and crops as well as diversifying livelihood activities. The major opportunities for adaptation in the area are availability of improved seed variety, presence of NGOs in the area, availability of water sources, availability of fertile soils and favorable government policies. The major constraints to climate change adaptation were poverty, farmland scarcity, limited information on changing seasons and limited government intervention. It is recommended that timely climate information be made readily accessible to the farmers through the extension services, enforcing policies that limit cutting of trees for charcoal and supporting communities through sensitization on community based adaptation approaches.

Keywords: climate change, community based adaptation, constraints, variability