Eleventh International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

The study set out to evaluate the drivers and effectiveness of the adaptation measures, as well as challenges faced by smallholder Irish potato farmers in South Western Uganda. A cross sectional survey was undertaken to collect data from 197 farmers using a combination of structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions; whilst key informant interviews were used to elicit data from purposively selected personnel from the local government as well as private and civil society organizations operating in the area. Quantitative data was analyzed by way of generating descriptive statistics notably mean, mode, median, percentages, cross tabulations and frequencies; whilst relationships between the various variables were established by generating inferential statistics such as the Chi-square test of independence, Cobb-Douglas production function and correlations. Smallholder Irish potato farmers are responding severally through growing adaptive seed varieties, application of fertilizers, terracing, mulching, contour ploughing, constructing trenches, intercropping; changing planting dates and early planting. The wide spread poverty, resource limitations, low funding, inadequate extension and information, poor infrastructure, pests and diseases are some of the key challenges faced by the farmers. The major drivers to adaptation were the level of education, extension services, gender and social networks. The effectiveness of these measures can be improved through capacity building and increasing awareness, subsidizing the agro-inputs as well as promoting climate smart agriculture.