Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Subject "Adaptation strategies"

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    Farmers’ perceptions of weather variability, crop vulnerability, and adaptation strategies in the Bidibidi refugee settlement, Yumbe district.
    (Muni University, 2025-11-10) Adriko, Negro Simon
    Weather variability has become one of the major challenges affecting agricultural productivity worldwide. Globally, shifting rainfall patterns, recurrent droughts, floods, and temperature extremes have disrupted crop growth cycles and reduced yields. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where rain-fed agriculture dominates, the impacts are more severe as unpredictable seasons threaten staple crops such as maize, sorghum, and beans, thereby reducing household agricultural output and income. In Uganda’s Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, farming communities already vulnerable to poverty and displacement face increasing risks from delayed rainfall onset, prolonged dry spells, and erratic precipitation. This study assessed the effects of weather variability on crop production and examined adaptation strategies among refugee and host households in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Yumbe District. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was adopted, combining household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and chi-square statistics, while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed using Excel. Results showed that over 80% of respondents’ experienced notable variations in rainfall and temperature in the past five years, including late onset of rains and extended dry periods. These conditions were associated with reduced yields and frequent pest and disease outbreaks particularly Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) affecting major crops such as maize, cassava, and groundnuts. Farmers have adopted coping strategies such as crop diversification, use of drought-tolerant varieties, and early planting. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited due to inadequate institutional support, lack of irrigation facilities, and limited access to timely weather information. The study concludes that weather variability significantly undermines crop production in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement and highlights the need for practical interventions, including farmer training in climate-smart agriculture, promotion of small-scale irrigation, and improved access to weather and advisory services to strengthen agricultural resilience.