Abstract:

In Northern Uganda, land disputes are the most significant form of conflict, with many escalating into violence. The level of risk and uncertainty created by land conflict in the region is unacceptable, and its potential consequences on livelihoods are irreversible. The burden of the risk is forever shouldered by the poorest and most vulnerable in rural areas. This compelled the researcher to conduct a study on the effects of land conflicts on Agricultural production with a case of Adwari Sub County in Otuke district. The puipose of this study therefore was to examine the effect of land conflicts on Households’ Agricultural Production in Otuke District. In specific terms, the study aimed at creating a broad understanding on the triggers of land conflicts, its effects on Households’ agricultural production and the cope up mechanisms. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, using a mixed methods approach together. Interviews were preferred and these were used together with Focused Group Discussions in addressing study questions. The study revealed that land is a major source of livelihood in Adwari Sub County. The study also revealed a state of latent land conflict in the area with frequent manifestations of overt land conflicts. The study confirmed that land conflict was impacting in terms of low and poor production of both livestock and crops and therefore community members were relying on restocking and external support as the attendant measures to the effects of land conflicts experienced by community members of Adwari. However, bearing in mind the research topic, more detailed action research on land conflict and Agriculture sector performance needs to be undertaken. Also, government needs to; check the creation of more administrative units, diversify her economic activities to increase economic opportunities, design specific development programmes to counter the gaps of low and reduced production in both livestock and crop production and come up with more livelihood programmes to boost households’ source of livelihoods.