Climate variability and crop yields synergies in Tanzania’s semiarid agroecological zone
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Date
2018
Authors
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Publisher
Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis
Abstract
The consequences of climate change have been considerably high to smallholders
in most of Sub-Saharan Africa. These impacts have been more enormous to crop
production and other attached livelihoods. However, the comprehensive assessment of these
impacts has suffered numerous challenges because crop productivity is also susceptible to
other factors involved in the production process. This study aimed to understand how crop
yields are affected by climate change in the semiarid zone of Tanzania. The findings would
establish a thorough literature within smallholder adaptation in the area. Furthermore, they will
intensify strategies to cope with reduced yields attributed by climate-change impacts.
Outcomes: There has been a dramatic decrease in rainfall (R2 = 0.21) and increase in
temperature (R2 = 0.30). In addition, we found that rainfall and temperature variability had
positive (R2 ~ 0.5) and negative (R2 ~ 0.3) correlations with crop yields, respectively.
Discussion: The decline in yields at both local and national levels elevated the magnitude of
food shortage and poverty. The increasing climate impacts necessitate undertakings of
various studies to plan, design, recommend, and implement various useful adaptation measures,
especially in the vulnerable communities.
Conclusion: To limit climate effects, we need to increase investments in adaptation and
mitigation measures.
Description
Keywords
Climate variability, Crop yields, Environmental sustainability, Vulnerability, Tanzania