Browsing by Author "Ali, Ali Said"

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    Assessment of the role of mangrove forests in adaptation to the impact of climate change in west B district, Zanzibar, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Ali, Ali Said
    This study investigated the contribution of mangrove forest in reducing the impacts of climate change on the coastal areas of West B District, Zanzibar. It was conducted in three villages, namely Nyamanzi, Kisakasaka and Fuoni Kibondeni, which are found in West B District in Zanzibar. Household survey, focus group discussions, observations, key informant interviews and review of secondary information were the core methods used for data collection in this study. A total of 102 respondents were interviewed and the data obtained were analyzed using Quantum GIS, SPSS v.16, Microsoft Excel 2007 and triangulation, and the findings were summarized in percentages and presented in tables and figures. A close analysis of the data revealed that climate change is real in the study area and it has brought significant impacts on the people's livelihood activities, specifically in farming and fishing. Further analysis of the data indicated that there was mangrove change in the study villages and the coverage decreased gradually due to the increasing rate of mangrove deforestation. Indeed, the communities have been using various strategies related to mangrove forests in adaptation to the impact of climate change, including planting of trees, break water flow, increasing in height of coastal buildings and construction of sea walls. The results further revealed that mangrove forests provide social-economic benefits to the communities, including poverty reduction, sustainable farming, provision of nursery areas for fish, food to the people, enhancement of business activities, and temperature regulation. It is, therefore, concluded that the local community is aware of the climate change and its adverse impacts on farming and fishing. The mangrove forests are a panacea to these effects. However, it is pointed out through this study that the mangrove forests are not enough following the extent and frequency of the impacts as well as the increasing mangrove deforestation; it is, therefore, recommended that there should be enhancement of mangrove forest adaptive capacity by all stake holders, including government, NGOs, and local communities through enforcement on the use of those mangrove related adaptation strategies by coastal communities