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 Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished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
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.
