African Rural Economics (Economics/Agri/Geography crossover) | 27 February 2001
Agroforestry Adoption Rates Among Ugandan Farmers: Strategies for Climate Resilience
C, h, e, w, e, n, y, M, u, s, o, k, e
Abstract
Agroforestry involves integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability. In Uganda, climate change is leading to increased variability in rainfall patterns, posing significant challenges for traditional farming practices. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. Data were collected from 150 randomly selected farmers across three agro-ecological zones in Uganda. Among the surveyed farmers, 42% reported adopting at least one form of agroforestry practice, with significant increases observed in soil organic matter content and biodiversity within their fields. However, there was a notable disparity between areas with higher rainfall variability and those with more stable conditions. Agroforestry adoption is correlated with improved resilience against climate variability but varies by geographical context. Future research should explore scaling up these practices to broader populations in different climatic regions. Government policies should incentivize agroforestry practices, particularly targeting smallholder farmers who are the primary beneficiaries of such interventions. Educational programmes on sustainable land management techniques also need to be enhanced. Agroforestry, climate resilience, Ugandan farmers, mixed-methods research