Assessing the climate-smart agriculture practices utilized among smallholder farmers in Nakigo sub-county, Iganga district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly affectingposes smallholder agricultural production through changes rainfall patterns, drought and other climate-related stresses. These changes can reduce crop productivity and negatively affect household livelihoods. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) provides an approach through which farmers can improve agricultural productivity while strengthening their ability to cope with climate-related challenges. However, there is limited information on the specific CSA practices utilized and the reasons for using them in Nakigo Sub-County. This study assessed the Climate-Smart Agriculture practices utilized by smallholder farmers in Nakigo Sub-County, Iganga District, together with their reasons for their utilization. Specifically, the study characterized the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers, identified the CSA practices they utilized, and examined the reasons for using specific CSA practices. A quantitative research approach and cross-sectional survey design were employed. Data were collected from 148 smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that respondents had a mean age of 38.8 years, an average household size of 5.8 persons, mean farming experience of 8.9 years, and an average farm size of 2.21 acres. CSA utilization was widespread, with 147 (99.3%) respondents reporting they utilized at least one CSA practice. Improved seed varieties were the most commonly utilized practice (82.3%), followed by intercropping (81.0%), crop rotation (55.8%) and mulching (46.3%). Minimum tillage (9.5%), rainwater harvesting (5.4%) and soil conservation structures (3.4%) were the least utilized. increased yields was the leading reason for utilizing CSA practices, reported by (98.6%) of the farmers, followed by advice from extension workers (42.9%), environmental protection (17.7%), reduction of drought effects (11.6%) and reduced production costs (5.4%). The study concludes that CSA utilization among smallholder farmers in Nakigo Sub-County is widespread, although the extent of utilization differs across practices. Farmers mainly use CSA practices because of their perceived contribution to increased yields. The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, improving farmers’access to appropriate agricultural inputs, and increasing practical training on less-utilized soil and water conservation practices.
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Undergraduate research report
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Rushitana, S. (2026). Assessing the climate-smart agriculture practices utilized among smallholder farmers in Nakigo sub-county, Iganga district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. busitema University.