Abstract:
This study was carried out in Masasi and Nachingwea districts in Tanzania to
provide empirical evidence of existing local knowledge (LK) related to agrobiodiversity
surrounding the local communities and how that knowledge
contributes to adaptation to climate changes. The study employed two research
designs namely a case study and a cross sectional survey. Hence, a
combination of tools including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), key
informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires, were used . for data
collection. The research .findings showed that farmers possess a wide range of
indigenous knowledge on agro-biodiversity which they use in adapting to
climatic changes. The type of indigenous knowledge identified include those on
soil characteristics, soil . fertility and infertility, cropping systems, seed storage
and use of wild food products. It was recommended that such indigenous
knowledge be promoted and used in other similar localities to foster the
farmers' ability to adapt to climate changes.