Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) aims to increase productivity, build resilience to climate change, and reduce emissions where possible. For Ugandan smallholders, this often means simple, low-cost practices that fit local conditions.
Soil and water management
Conservation agriculture—minimum tillage, crop residue retention, and crop rotation—helps retain moisture and improve soil health. Mulching and contour bunds reduce erosion and runoff. Small-scale irrigation allows production outside the main rains and reduces dependence on erratic rainfall.
Crop and variety choice
Using drought-tolerant and early-maturing varieties can help farmers cope with shorter or unpredictable rainy seasons. Diversifying crops spreads risk and can improve nutrition and income.
Information and planning
Access to weather information and simple advisories helps farmers plan planting and harvesting. Extension services and partnerships that combine inputs, irrigation, and off-taking can make climate-smart practices more viable at scale.