Ethnic Perspectives on Climate Adaptation Strategies among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda

Smallholder farmers in Uganda face significant challenges due to climate change, necessitating an understanding of their adaptation strategies and ethnic perspectives. The study aimed to explore the climate adaptation practices among smallholder farmers across various Ugandan ethnic groups, with the objective of identifying effective local interventions. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation methods were used over a two-year period. Data was collected from diverse regions representing major ethnic groups in Uganda. While many farmers rely on traditional knowledge-based practices, there is also an increasing adoption of modern technologies such as drought-resistant seeds and improved weather forecasting services among certain communities. Common themes emerged, highlighting the importance of community support and integrating indigenous knowledge with modern techniques. The study underscores the variability in adaptation strategies across different ethnicities while identifying common themes that can inform local interventions. Inter-ethnic collaboration should be fostered to share best practices, and access to climate information systems should be enhanced for all smallholder farmers. Climate adaptation, Smallholder farmers, Ethnic perspectives, Uganda This study provides insights into the diverse strategies employed by smallholder farmers in Uganda and highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies.