Climate Change Effects and Coping Strategies in Tanzania

Abstract

This research report explored climate change effects and farmers' coping strategies in district. Its an attempt to provide a Preliminary analysis of climate change effects and farmers’ coping strategies to adverse climate change effects in the district. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a structured questionnaire administered to 90farmersfrom three villages. The results indicate that farmers are currently facing substantial climate change effects that force them to find ways to minimize the effects by employing different coping strategies. Adverse climate change effects range from prolonged drought, shortened and unpredictable rainfall regimes and long sunshine hours that results in prolonged dryness. The results of these are decrease in crop yield and hence diminishing ood security and livelihoods. Developed coping strategies towards climate variability include application of fertilizer, use of certified seeds, irrigation, early planting intercropping and relying on newly introduced crops that have short growth period. The local government on the other hand, is emphasizing on environmental protection and conservation to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change. It is recommended to strengthen and adapt existing local and indigenous coping strategies as key to enabling and empowering communities to enhance their own resilience. Farmers need not only remain as victims of climate change but as part of the solution.