Climate Change Adaptation Measures Among Smallholder Farmers in Mvomero district, Tanzania.

ABSTRACT

Climate change in Tanzania is emerging as one of the most important challenges among smallholder farmers who depend largely, if not solely, on rain-fed agriculture. Weather forecast and prediction indicate that drought and flood will be more frequent and inconsistent rainfall will be experienced. These changes will affect smallholder farmers, due to the fact that these farmers are more vulnerable because of limited resources and low knowledge on how to adapt to climate change impacts in agricultural productivity. Currently, there is limited understanding in Tanzania on how smallholder farmers cope with climate change. This study assessed climate change adaptation techniques among smallholder farmers in Mvomero District. Specifically, this study analyzed how household characteristics influence the adoption of climate change adaptation measures, determined smallholder farmers’ awareness on climate change adaptation measures, and identified climate change adaptation practices. Data for this study were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussion, observation and key informants’ interview. Informal talks were used to confirm and complement information collected using the above mentioned methods. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished documents including reading books and journal articles. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and content analytical procedures were used to analyze qualitative data. Results indicated that the adoption of climate change adaptation measures varied by household characteristics, knowledge and climate change adaptation practice. In other words, household characteristics and awareness on climate change adaptation measures influenced the adoption of climate change ii adaptation measures among smallholder farmers. The findings further showed that climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers is still limited, because of low knowledge, inadequate information and lack of financial capital. In order to improve adaptability to climate change impacts, awareness rising among farmers is recommended through training, seminars and information transfer through mass media.