Eleventh International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

The sought to assess the vulnerability of small holder farmers of various socio-economic characteristics in the Kyoga plains of Uganda to climate change.it is thought that there is no spatial variation in the level of vulnerability to climate change among the small holder farmers and the level of vulnerability to climate change among them is not dependent on socioeconomic characteristics. The paper highlights the spatial dimensions of socioeconomic impacts of climate change in the communities. The conceptual framework is based on the link between perception of, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. A post positivist research paradigm was adopted for the paper. The main strategy of quantitative inquiry was the cross sectional survey. The qualitative elements were carried out through narratives with intention of developing themes from the data. The study was done in the Kyoga plains aggro-ecological zone of Uganda. Data was collected through data base review, focus group discussions, questionnaires and observation. Indicators for the components of vulnerability (Exposure, Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity) were selected by Principle Component Analysis (PCA). The inter sub county vulnerability index showed a spatial variation in the level of vulnerability between the different sub counties. Cross tabulation of vulnerability with the ten socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers showed that level of income has the strongest positive correlation with the level of vulnerability. Policy measures should therefore focus on place specific strategies of adapting to climate change rather than region wide strategies and policy should emphasize non-farm livelihood activities.