Abstract:
This study aimed at assessing farmers’ adaptation mechanisms to climate change in
Kilimanjaro region. Specifically, attention was devoted to examine farmers’
awareness and perception towards climate change; adaptation measures used and
their influence on crop yield as well as factors which influence adoption of those
strategies. The data were collected through household surveys and focused group
discussions. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 175 farming
households in twelve villages from Moshi Rural, Hai and Rombo Districts. Data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cobb-Douglas production function and linear
regressions. Results confirm that farmers are quite aware of climate change and
adaptation options. Seasonal drought, temperature change and outbreak of diseases in
plant and animals were the most perceived consequences of climate change. The
adaptation strategies used included change of farm management practices and adoption
off-farm employment. Timing of farm operations, water harvesting, mulching, change
of crop varieties, irrigation and agro-forestry were the major farm-copping strategies.
These strategies were observed to have positive and significant influence on maize and
banana yield. Also the study found out that household assets; household size; education
level; extension services; owned land size and access to irrigation are the major factors
which influence adoption of adaptation strategies. Moreover, lack of capital and
information on climate change as well as reliable weather forecast information were
indicated to be the core constraints in adaptation. The relevant policy recommendation
from these results is that enhanced access to credit and information can significantly
increase frames’ adaptation. Government policies should support research and
development on appropriate technologies to help farmers adapt to changes in
climatic conditions.
