Climate Shocks and Resilient Supply Chains in Ugandan Agriculture: A Comparative Study

Climate change exacerbates risks to agricultural production in Uganda, particularly affecting smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed crops and livestock. A comparative analysis using qualitative semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and secondary data from agricultural extension services. Smallholder farmers experienced more frequent disruptions to their supply chains due to unpredictable weather patterns, while larger agribusinesses showed greater adaptability through diversified production systems and improved infrastructure investments. The study revealed a significant gap in climate-resilient practices between the two groups. The findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions for smallholders to improve their resilience against climate shocks, including capacity building programmes, access to weather-indexed insurance schemes, and incentives for adopting climate-smart agricultural technologies. Policy makers should prioritise inclusive development strategies that support smallholder farmers in developing adaptive measures and accessing risk management tools. Agricultural extension services must also be strengthened to provide practical guidance on climate-resilient practices.