The Contribution of Farmer Field Schools in Facilitating Smallholder Farmer’s Adaptation to Drought in Kiboga District, Uganda

Farmer Field Schools (FFS) represent a significant step forward in agricultural education by facilitating farmers adapt to drought. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of FFS in facilitating smallholder farmer’s adaptation to drought in Kiboga District inclusive of gender and communication perspectives. A total of 120 FFS-members and 60 non-members were randomly selected and administered with questionnaires in Kapeka, Dwaniro and Bukomero sub-counties. Using descriptive statistics, the results revealed that in crop production, the FFS members largely responded to drought by early/delayed planting, carrying out micro-irrigation, growing of vegetables, rainwater harvesting and application of organic manure; while in livestock production, they fetched water, sold livestock, grew hay, hired shelter for livestock protection and collected feeds. These divergent options were incomparable to those applied by the non-FFS members. Irrespective of memberships, the women were more directly involved in crop and livestock adaptation related activities compared to their counterparts. In addition, both FFS members and non-members revealed to have implemented adaptation responses learnt from fellow farmers, friends, community announcers, extension officers and local council leaders. As a result, the application of adaptation responses increased the smallholder farmer’s social relations, income levels and food security status.