Assessment of the implications of climate variability on maize production and livelihoods in Mbozi District- Tanzania
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Date
2014
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the implications of climate variability (CV) on maize
production and livelihoods in Mbozi District-Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at
assessing the trends of rainfall and temperature for the last 30 years (1982-2012);
establishing the relationship between CV and maize production; assessing the effects of
CV on household livelihood; examining the relative importance of CV on maize
production compared to other variables and assessing coping strategies devised by
communities against CV. The study used a sample of 120 respondents selected randomly
from four villages namely Seiyele, Idunda, Isalalo and Utambalila. A structured
questionnaire was administered for primary data collection. Maize production and CV
secondary data for the period 1982-2012 were collected from District Agricultural Office
and Mbimba meteological station respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were
determined. Data was analysed by using SPSS. Results showed that: there was significant
decrease in the mean annual rainfall and increase of temperature over the period. Climate
Variability significantly influenced maize production and accounted for 88.6% of the
variations in maize production. It also led to persistent food insecurity and low incomes
among farmers'・ Results also showed there was significant positive relationship between
maize production and some socio-economic variable (household size, use of tractors and
fertilizers and increase in farm size). Farmer in the study area devised various coping
strategies which are non-agricultural and agricultural including stop selling foods; engage
in small business, expansion of agricultural area, cultivation on wetland areas, timing and
selling forest products. The study recommends that extension services be strengthened so
that farmers will be more aware of the impacts of climate variability and can therefore
design coping strategies that lead to reduction of the impacts for sustainable maize
production.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Household income, Food security, Maize production, Climate variability (CV), Livelihoods