Browsing by Author "Kyazze, Florence B."

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    Climate trends, risks and coping strategies in smallholder farming systems in Uganda
    (Climate Risk Management, 2018) Mubiru, Drake N.; Radeny, Maren; Kyazze, Florence B.; Zziwa, Ahamada; Lwasa, James; Kinyangi, James; Mungai, Catherine
    Smallholder farmers in Uganda face a wide range of agricultural production risks. Climate change and variability present new risks and vulnerabilities. Climate related risks such as prolonged dry seasons are becoming more frequent and intense with negative impacts on agricultural livelihoods and food security. This paper examines farmers’ perceptions of climate change, climate-related risks affecting crop and livestock production, including climate-risk management and adaptation strategies. Drought, increasing disease and pest incidences, decreasing water sources, lack of pasture, bush fires, hailstorms, changes in crop flowering and fruiting times were the major climate-related risks reported. In order to cope with climate change and climate variability, farmers use a wide range of agricultural technologies and strategies. Mulching, intercropping and planting of food security crops were among the most commonly used practices. Other strategies included water harvesting (mainly for domestic consumption), other soil and water conservation technologies and on-farm diversification. Farmers often use a combination of these technologies and practices to enhance agricultural productivity. Average maximum temperatures increased across the two sites. Trends in average annual rainfall showed mixed results, where a general decline was observed in one district and a relatively stable trend in the other district. Perceived changes in climate included erratic rainfall onset and cessation (which were either early or late), poor seasonal distribution of rainfall and little rainfall. In addition, farmers reported variations in temperatures. Farmers’ perception of changing rainfall characteristics and increasing temperatures were consistent with observed historical climatic trends based on meteorological data.
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    Rainwater harvesting knowledge and practice for agricultural production in a changing climate : A review from Uganda’s perspective
    (Agricultural Engineering International, 2018) Kiggundu, Nicholas; Wanyama, Joshua; Mfitumukiza, David; Twinomuhangi, Revocatus; Barasa, Bernard; Katimbo, Abia; Kyazze, Florence B.
    With a changing climate in Uganda, rainfall distribution patterns have become more irregular over time and space. Excess water during rainy season is causing runoff, soil erosion, nutrient depletion and crop damage which reduces the productive capacity of land, while on the other hand, prolonged droughts during the crop growing period have become common occurrences. Additionally, pastoralists lose livestock during the dry period each year in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda due to water shortage and lack of forage. It thus remains difficult to achieve the agricultural development targets identified in the National Development Plan for Uganda, without addressing regular incidences of adverse impacts of climate change. Currently there are no well explained approaches which can contribute to adoption of technologies like rainwater management systems which are crucial in enhancing crop yields and livestock production during periods of water shortage. The overarching objective of this paper was to carry out an assessment of the status, performance, and scope for improving rainwater harvesting (RWH) for small-scale agriculture under local conditions. Accordingly, research gaps in RWH technologies were identified and documented to inform future studies. The research was carried out in the semi-arid areas of Nakasongola, Rakai, and Hoima Districts characterized by crop-livestock dependent livelihoods. Findings show that RWH technologies could enable smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists to become more resilient to increasing climate variability and climate change by conserving soil and water thus increasing food production and enhancing food security. Small-scale irrigation systems have enabled farmers to adapt to drought challenges by enhancing crop yields and allowed farmers to target for higher market prices usually associated with the effects of drought. However, there are challenges including threats to sustainability of such established systems because of lack of community participation in systems’ monitoring and maintenances, and vandalism, and some systems require high investment costs.