Socio-Economic Impact of Climate-Smart Agricultural Techniques. A Case of Kotwidika Cooperative, Kayonza District
Abstract
Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is widely regarded as an important technique for tackling climate change concerns while maintaining socio-economic aspects. This study assesses the socio-economic impact of Climate Smart Agricultural Techniques in Kayonza District, a case of KOTWIDIKA Cooperative, a region vulnerable to climate variability and highly dependent on agriculture. The research focused on the chosen cooperative members through stratified random sampling from 845 farmers, with an additional interview conducted with 8 cooperative leaders and 7 additional key stakeholders. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. A mixed-methods approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data was used to assess the effectiveness of CSA techniques on agricultural productivity and the relationship between CSA practices and socio-economic development. The research evaluated the CSA adoption rates, income, food security, and community health. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 31.0 was used to perform Statistical analyses for quantitative data, including correlation and regression analyses to evaluate the relationships between variables, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The research found that the adoption of CSA techniques led to significant increases in income (15-22%), improved food security, and enhanced psychological well-being among members. The analysis revealed a strong statistical relationship between CSA adoption and improved livelihoods, supported by regression results (R = 0.991, R² = 0.982) and a correlation coefficient of 0.985, affirming the efficacy of these methods in promoting community resilience. The study concludes that CSA practices greatly enhance socio-economic conditions for KOTWIDIKA Cooperative members. It recommends strengthening agricultural extension services to further promote CSA adoption. Future research should explore barriers to CSA adoption and conduct long-term impact assessments to ensure sustainable agricultural development.