Assessing drought effects on banana production and on-farm coping strategies by farmers — a study in the cattle corridor of Uganda

Drought is a major threat to banana production in Uganda, leading large yield losses. This study documented drought effects on and identified farmers’ mitigation strategies. Interviews were conducted eight districts, randomly selected from banana-growing districts Uganda’s cattle corridor, characterised by frequent droughts. Data collected 120 respondents/farms. Banana the area was dominated small-scale farmers, growing mostly combination of cooking dessert types. Among 15 stress growth, reduced bunch weight, wilting drying leaves, leaf number fingers clusters most reported. ‘Mpologoma’ ‘FHIA 17’ cultivars reported as least affected stress, respectively. Although corridor prone recurrent droughts, deployment coping strategies low, with farmers using one three A total 12 practices used across mulching being common option. Irrigation perceived effective option though its limited water scarcity high cost pumps. suggests need for government support mitigate through establishing infrastructure irrigation, strengthening climate data collection information systems development drought-tolerant breeders. Additionally, prioritise preventive like planting cultivars, mulching, manure application ensure timely practices.