Analysing the implications of rainfall variability on food security: a case study on small holder farmers in Ntungamo District South Western Uganda

Abstract

In many developing countries, rural livelihoods -agriculture is important for poverty alleviation and food security (Funge‐Smith & Bennett, 2019). However, as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, there is an urgent need for sustainable farming practices and other strategies to address food security and ensure sustained livelihoods for communities around the world. Using a mixed method research, this study sought to analyze the trends of rainfall variability, assess the determinants of perceptions, effects of rainfall variability on agricultural production, food security and coping strategies. Results revealed that farmers rely on growing or rearing drought resistant crops and breeds respectively, having less meals a day, as well as purchasing food due to limited agricultural produce, reduction in rainfall and a surge in food prices reaffirming the link between poverty and vulnerability. The study recommends that there is need for climate resilience education, water resource management, diversified crop strategies as well as food security solutions.