Assessing the adaptive capacity of smallholder cropping systems to climate change in Kakooge Sub County, Nakasongola District

Abstract

Climate change will exacerbate challenges facing food security in Nakasongola. Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will further impact upon cropping systems. At the heart of the impending challenges to Nakasongola agricultural production, cropping system’ resilience will be tested to new limits. This problem was addressed through exploration of the adaptive capacity of smallholder cropping systems to climate change in Nakasongola as farmer’s local knowledge, adaptive capacity and different forms of capital where studded. A one phase mixed methodological approach was adopted, it included exploring records from reported journals, books and papers about experiences of past extreme weather events in Kakooge areas, consisted of 100 survey questionnaires, observations and a scenario-based discussion with other area key informants and selected farmers from Kakooge areas. This allowed cropping systems’ adaptive capacity to climate change in the past, present and future to be explored. The priority given to the weather in farmers’ decision-making is identified to be determined by individual relationships that farmers develop with the weather. Yet, a consensus of farmers’ observations has established recognition of considerable changes in the weather over the last 10 years, acknowledging more extremes and seasonal variations. Farmers are found to be disengaged with the communication of climate change knowledge within the area which may rise the impacts experienced locally. Availing farmers with proper extension services that are reliable to provide knowledge and draw innovations to farmers that can improve the cropping system resilience and adaptive

capacity. Is seen to be part of the urgently needed intervention.