Institute of Resource Assessment

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Estimation of flood peaks with limited hydrological data: the case study of Mbeya - Rukwa catchments
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1978) Ngana, James Omari
In developing countries, it is a common occurrence to be called upon to estimate flood peaks with different recurrence intervals in ungagged watersheds. This is usually the case because of the small density of the hydrologic stations in these areas. In the succeeding pages, an attempt has been made to estimate flood peaks with different recurrence intervals in Rukwa Region. Like many other developing countries, rainfall data was the only data available for a considerable length of time. Stream flow data was hardly available for a considerable length of time. Stream flow data was hardly available for a period longer than three years. Initially, similarities were drawn up between Rukwa Region and Mbeya Region. The former is a less gauged Region and the latter is fairly well gauged neighbouring Region. Firstly, statistical analyses were carried out in Mbeya selected catchments to determine the 10 year flood. Next, the TRRL flood model, a model which utilises mainly the basin characteristics, was used to estimate again the 10-year flood. Comparisons were made between the two approaches and conclusions drawn. As another attempt to estimate floods of longer recurrence intervals, a regional frequency curve was derived from Mbeya selected catchments. From this curve, floods of larger recurrence intervals can be worked out for the studied areas and for the ungagged catchments in Mbeya Region. Since in the first place, similarities were established between these two neighbouring Regions, the established results in Mbeya could reliably be utilized in Rukwa Region as well. From the TRRL flood model and the regional frequency curve approaches, the 10-year floods for the two selected Rukwa catchments were calculated. Comparisons from these two methods were drawn and assessment made. The last chapter reviews all the results and conclusions achieved and final recommendations are presented
Cost, Productivity and Recovery Studies Tabora, Tabora Misitu, Products Saumills Limited, Tabora
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1980) Iddi, Said
A study to assess the performance of Tabora Misitu Products Saumills Limited was carried out. The objective were: -(a) to make a production cost analysis, (b) to carry out time studies at the head saw to qualify downtime (c) to investigate the effect of log dimensions technical and value recovery (d) to attempt to establish the relationship between taper, eccentricity, sweep, heart rot end knots end technical and value recovery. cost for the years 1975 through 1970 were compiled and analyzed. The headsaw was studied for 17 days at the start or rains in November—December 1978. During March—April 1979, the peak rain period, the studies were repeated for a total of 37 days. A total of 146 Jogs, 46 Mninga, Pterocarpusanqolensis and 100 mtundu, Brachystegiaspiciformis were measured for technical and value recocery calculation after breakdown. Defects on each logs recorded. The main results were: (1). In all years, logging contributed most to the total production costs per m3 of sawn wood. (2). Effective saving time in the Study period averaged 42, of the total work place time. Downtime due to power cuts alone was 29 of the total work place time. (3) The studied logs ranged from 30 to 55 cm o. b.in mid—diameter while length varied between 2.0 and 6.1 meters. Within those limits there was no strong relationship between log dimensions and lumber recovery percent. (4) There was a small, significant difference between mean actual and theoretical recovery in mtundu logs in the mid—diameter and length classes. (5) Mtundu logs showed a small, significant negative correlation between length and value recovery. (6) Value recovery differences in the mid—diameter classes were significant only in mtundu logs. The quality of the logs was generally good. Due to limitations on log sizes and non—matching of the study logs, it was difficult to conclude Whether or not there was room for improving lumber and value recovery. It was suggested that rates used to buy logs from private loggers be reviewed critically in order to keep logs cost down. Well planned logging could rid the mill of buying logs from privates loggers. Introduction of cost accounting may improve the performance of the mill. There is underutilization of mill capacity due to mainly to power cuts. To offsets this the mill could buy its own generator but carefully economic calculations would have to be made.
Application of a GIS-based channel network model (CCHEID) for the Pangani river system
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2006) Patrick, Philipo
Previous studies on soil erosion from the upland reaches the reservoir. Such low delivery ratio has been attributed to presence of low lands, takes, swamps, and mild channel thalweg slopes. Besides, some gauging flow stations such as IDCI in the main Ruvu River has been abandoned since the impoundment of Nyumba ya Mungu dam in 1968. Other workers have characterized Pangani River System an complex river network. A mathematical model called CCHEID that uses dynamic wave model and a number of sediment transport capacity equation to route flood and sediment were applied in the Pangani River System. In order to complete flow discharges data for abandoned gauging station, IDCI, a complex rating curve was developed. A natural river system was calibrated using flow and/or sediment flow data from IDCI and ID8A gauging stations, which, are located within the study reach. The flow routing module was validated before and after the dam installation. Besides, comparing simulated and measured channel thalweg elevation after 37 years of Nyumba ya Mungu reservoir operations validated sediment routing module. The model performances during flow and/or stage calibration period according to Nash and Sutcliffe criterion R^2 are 80% for IDCI and (81% and 89.5%) for ID8A respectively, while validation period for IDCI is 52%. A qualitative assessment of the plots of simulated and measured sediment thalweg elevation has indicated that they are comparable. This study has also found that there is no significant sediment deposition in the upstream river reaches of the study area, but rather most sediment reaches into the reservoir and focuses in the main Pangani river channel within first 25 km from the dam.
Community vulnerability and adaptation to the impacts of climate variability and extremes on wetlands
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Tumbo, Madaka
This study aimed at assessing community vulnerability and adaptation to the impact of climate variability and extremes on wetlands and its implication for livelihoods in Simiyu catchment, Southwest of Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The results of this study provide baseline information on vulnerability assessments and development of adaptation strategies in the country. Moreover this study will likely contribute significantly to similar future studies on other wetlands within Tanzania. Rainfall anomalies were used to characterise wet and dry seasons. Questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions were used to establish the impacts and coping strategies used during extreme events of floods and droughts. The results showed high rainfall fluctuations between seasons and from one year to the other. They further indicated that normally the October -November -December (OND) and March-April-May (MAM ) seasons do not have the same strength and sign of anomalies, that is there are seasonal variation within the same year. Communities living around the Simiyu wetlands are vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations as their socio-economic activities are highly dependent on rainfall since 87% of respondents practice rainfed agriculture. It is concluded that incidences of climate variations are increasing and have implications for livelihoods that depend on wetlands resources. The implication of these seasonal variations is the reduction in agricultural and livestock production. This has recently led to mixed croping along the wetlands and lake shores as a coping strategy. The responses of livestock keepers to seasonal variations in rainfall include holding vast and varied grazing grounds (transhumance) in order to ensure ownership of abundant grazing land.
Abundance and diversity of small Mammals in disturbed and undisturbed forests in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Kalumanga, Elikana
Small mammals are a poorly known fauna in the Eastern Are Mountains. In order to contribute to the knowledge of this faunal group, small mammals were trapped in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania ta assess their abundance and diversity in the disturbed and undisturbed forests. The disturbed habitat included the cultivated field (shamba) and the fallow fields while the undisturbed habitat included the intact natural forest (Forest A) and a slightly disturbed forest (forest B). In each habitat, 3 nested plots were set in order to study their habitat characteristics. Small mammals were caught using Sherman live traps, snap traps and pitfall traps in both dry and wet seasons. A total of 449 individuals, spread over 14 species of rodents and crocidure shrews (identified to the genus level only) were trapped. The intact forest (A) had the highest diversity of small mammal; the cultivated field recorded the lowest diversity (F3,14= 0.8049; p = 0.4983). The fallow land recorded the highest trap success (50), followed by forest A (45.5) and forest B (42). The least trap success was recorded in the shamba (27.4) (H0.05,8,12,11,9 = 24.84,X20.05,3, = 7.815,P= 0.001). All the paired plots scored over 50% similarity indices, suggesting that, within a plot, species composition in all seasons did not vary significantly. Only generalist species were found in both disturbed and undisturbed forests. The forest-specialists (e.g. Beamys hindel) were strictly found in the forests. Canopy avoiding species (e.g. Lophuromys flavopunctatus) were mostly found in the disturbed forests. Therefore, the disturbed forests cannot sustainably support diverse small mammal species as it is in the natural forests.
Climate change and variability adaptation strategies and its implications on land resources in Rungwe district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Gwambene, Brown
Climate change and variability impacts are one of primary environmental concerns of the 21st century. To deal with climate change and variability problems, different coping and adaptation strategies have been taken into account, but often these strategies have led to land resources degradation. The effects are worse in rural areas in developing countries because of their low adaptation capacity. This study investigated the implications of coping and adaptation strategies associated with climate change and variability on land resources in three villages of Rungwe district with 6% sample size of household each. The methodologies used include review of secondary data; focus group discussions and Excel were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed by cross tabulation and comparison of different views. Results were presented in description forms: tables, charts, graphs, maps and photographs. Results revealed unplanned adaptation strategies particularly cultivation of riverbanks and within crater lakes, intensification of field to the forest and marginal land. All have resulted in land resources degradation. For example, poor farming practices and heavy reliance on land recources have resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, which reduced water retention, increased flooding after rains and reduced water flow between rainy seasons. Animal folder, plant species diversity, organisms and the ecosystem have been affected. Natural resource bases that provide safety net functions during stress periods have been reduced. The probability of abnormal events, which threatened human and ecosystems have increased. In achieving sustainable land resource management, the planned adaptation strategies (for example irrigation, growing drought resistance crops, tree planting, and diversification of economic activities) must be instituted. Such strategies have to provide an environment for local people to understand possible impacts of climate variability and how they can survive from those impacts.
Impact of participatory forest management (PFM) on poverty reduction and forest Governance: the case of Suledo forest reserve, Kiteto district Manyara region
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Songoro, Alexander
This study examines the impact of PFM on poverty reduction and forest governance. Specific objectives included the assessment of the extent to which forest adjacent communities depend on the forst for livel;hood; and investigating the impact of PFM on poverty reduction; and examining if the PFM has improved forest governance at local level. The study was carried out Suledo Forest Reserve in Kiteto District Manyara Region. Data collection was done through questionnaire, interviews and a checklist, discussion with key informants, direct observation, and documentary review. The results indicated that about 96% of respondents were aware of PFM; and about 95% of them noted that, before the start of PFM, the forest was used without any proper planning, that led to degradation. About 61 of the respondents reported that their income was negatively affected by the introduction of PFM. However improvement is seen on non-income poverty including water sources, communication, gender equity and improvement environment in general. Moreover, this research noted weaknesses on governance, especially on benefit- sharing mechanisms, whereby about 96% of the respondents had no information about hoe revenue from SFR is utilized and handled. There is a need also to mobilize funds and other resources to support PFM, people should be made aware of the importance of PFM on poverty reduction.
Wetlands resources and their contributions to local livelihoods in the Rufiji basin, Rufiji district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Hamisi, Hamudu Idd
Knowledge on the contribution of wetlands resources to the livelihoods of the rural people is insufficient in Rufiji wetlands. In order to improve this knowledge, the study was carried out in Rufiji wetlands in the villages of Mbunju-Mvuleni and Mtanza-Msona of Mkongo and Mwaseni wards respectively to understand the significance of the Rufiji wetlands resources to the livelihoods of the local communities and their implication on the integrity of the wetland ecosystems. Data were collected through PRA, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and participatory transect walks and supplemented by detailed household questionnaires administered to 112 randomly selected households in the two villages. Data were analysed using SPSS, MS-excel and Instart. Results revealed that wetland resources have significant contribution to the livelihoods of the local communities adjacent to the wetlands. Wetland agriculture and fishing are the main livelihood activities for more than 96% of the wetland adjacent communities. Harvests from wetland farming, worth more than 1500 USD are accrued per household each year whereas non-wetland farming provides less than 400 USD only a year per household. Fisheries from the wetlands provide more than 94% of the household protein requirements. Wetland resources contribute about 65% of the direct household annual income amounting to about 1700 USD million per household each year. About 40% of the poorest households obtain about 41% of their food requirements from non-wood wetland resources a year. More than 76% of the population depend on medicinal plants from wetlands and about 43% use them as the only reliable source of medication. It is recommended that wetland development undertakings should explicitly understand and take into account the role of wetland resources to rural community’s’ livelihoods. In addition, there is a need of having a properly organised process in wetland resources utilisation.
Occupational air pollution
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Emmanuel, Isaac
The purpose of the study was to assess occupational air pollution at ALAF Limited. It involved the analysis of selected gaseous pollutants (CO, SO2, NO, and NO2) and toxic metals (Zn, Pb, Al, and Fe). The gaseous samples were collected and analyzed directly by using combustion gas analyzer that was hired from TIRDO while toxic metals were collected on filter papers by using portable air sampler machine (MinVol Portable Air Sampler) that was again hired from TIRDO. The filter papers were taken to SEAMIC for the analysis of the concentration of the toxic metal. The findings showed that CO concentration ranging from 0.3mg/m to 481.7mg/m exceed the recommended exposure limit of NIOSH (35mg/m3) and OSHA (50mg/m3) and TBS (10mg/m3-based on emission sources). SO2 concentrations ranging from 2.1 mg/m3 to 83mg/m3 were also above the recommended exposure limits of NIOSH (2mg/m3), OSHA (5mg/m3) and TBS (0.5mg/m3-based on emission sources). The toxic metal concentrations; Zn, Pb, Al and Fe having average values of 162.41 mg/m3, 12.6mg/m3, 452.9mg/m3 and 484.6mg/m3 respectively also exceed the recommended exposure limits of NIOSH (Zn-lmg/m3, Pb-0.05mg/m3, Al-10mg/m3, Fe-5mg/m3) and OSHA (Zn-lmg/m3, Pb-0.05mg/m3 Al-15mg/m3, Fe-10mg/m3). Re-design of the exhaust pipes and chimney systems; use of gas masks as protective gears against air pollutants; conducting regular air pollution inventory and engaging an environmental expert for the company are among the recommendations of the study aimed at improving occupational environment at ALAF.
Ecotourism and livelihoods among livestock keepers in the Norongoro conservation area (NCA), Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Melubo, Kokel
This study examines the contribution of ecotourism improving the social economic wellbeing of livestock keepers in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. The survey was conducted in seven cultural Bomas situated along the main tourist roads and three luxurious lodges’ on the Ngorongoro crater rim. Cultural bomas are staging centers established for local people to exhibit, demonstrate and sell handicrafts and get photographed by tourists to generate income. Interview of key informants and questionnaire administration to cultural boma occupiers were major techniques of data collection. Direct observations, photography and review of findings from other studies were used to complement the above methods in collecting the required information. The study established that by participating in ecotourism activities individuals have increased the size of the small stocks (goats and Sheep) supplied maize flour and hence, paid school contributions and purchased pupils’ uniforms. Other indirect benefits include a wide array of skills, e.g. leaderships, entrepreneurship (such as marketing, handcrafts production) and communication. At community level, secondary and primary schools have been built and renovated, students have been sponsored and water projects established. However, the challenges hindering ecotourism success include poor foreign languages competence, lack of land rights, limited market opportunities and poor participation. It was concluded that in order to maximize socio-economic development without jeopardizing the natural and cultural environments, socio political empowerment should emphasize education and training.
Human-wildlife conflicts and options for interventions in game controlled areas in Tanzania: a case of Kilombero Game Controlled Area, Morogoro
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Gibson, Amani
This study examined the human-wildlife conflicts and options for interventions in Kilombero Game Controlled Area (KGCA) and suggested measures towards sustainable resource management of the game controlled area. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods and questionnaire survey were used to provide information on human-wildlife conflicts, various socio-economic activities and their implications on management of wild m1imals including their habitats. Findings from this study revealed that human activities in the KGCA have significantly contributed to human-wildlife conflicts. Such a situation has resulted into loss of crops, livestock, properties as well as loss of people's negative attitudes and sometimes loss of human lives. Findings further revealed that 59% of human-wildlife conflicts in the KGCA involved farmers and wildlife, while the remaining 41% involved pastoralists and wildlife. Increasing human population and livestock have contributed to expansion of agricultural as well as grazing lands at the expense of wildlife habitats, hence, increased human-wildlife conflicts and decline in wildlife populations in KGCA. As intervention to the conflict situation, farmers have relied on scaring-off the wild animals, using fire for large destructive mammals and dogs for small mammals, particularly primates. To minimize such conflicts, community should be educated and trained in order to build local innovative techniques as well as capacity in human-wildlife conflict resolution. Pa1i of KGCA should be de-gazetted and the remaining part up-graded to Game Reserve status.
The political ecology of wildlife utilization in village land
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Rwegasira, Theotimos Nestory
While community-based conservation (CBC) has been praised as a better approach to natural resources management than the traditional top-down, it has been criticized of having failed to achieve its goals in terms of devolving decision-making powers and benefiting the local communities. Using political ecology theoretical framework, a study was conducted in Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to examine wildlife utilization with respect to the position of actors, their interest, benefits and decision-making powers. For the questionnaire survey, a 10% sampling intensity was used and a sample of 170 households was randomly selected from three villages. Data was collected through individual and key informant interviews, focus group discussions and review of secondary sources. The study identified tourist hunting and photographic tourism as major wildlife utilization activities practiced by private investors. The majority (90%) of local communities are not engaged in wildlife utilization. Economic gain, conservation, community development and enjoyment were found to be the main interests for actors in wildlife utilization. More benefits of wildlife accrue to investors and majority (71%) do not see benefits accruing to individual community members. Conflicts of interests and incompatible uses discourage investment in the WMA hence reduce income to CBC activities. About 74% of local people are not involved in decision-making on wildlife management. This is a threat for CBC. Given this and other threats, CBC in Burunge WMA has not fully achieved its goals. Devolution of decision-making powers, capacity building, review of investment contracts and a lot of awareness programs are needed for CBC to work and benefit local communities through wildlife utilization.
Wetland resource utilization patterns in Songwe river basin: its implications on rural livelihoods.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Kalisa, Diomedes Pastory
Different wetland types play a signify livelihoods, cant role on both ecosystem and community However, sustainability of wetlands has been threatened due to overexploitation. of various resources and hence a need for understanding how different wetland resources are managed and utilized. The overall objective of this study was to examine the utilization of wetland resources and establish their significance on rural livelihoods in Songwe River Basin (SRB). The study was undertaken in Katumbasongwe and Mpunguti villages in SRB, Kyela District in Mbeya Region, Tanzania. Different methods were used, namely structured questionnaires, PRA techniques and remote sensing techniques to complement each other. Findings from the study have shown that seasonal wetlands in SRB play an important role in supporting the livelihoods of adjacent communities, they depends on wetland resources by 80%. Rice production, livestock keeping, fishing and harvesting of macrophytes for weaving are major livelihoods activities supporting about 90% households for food and incomes in SRB. The study revealed that agricultural land and settlement has increased at the expense of other land use types. The nature and extent of wetland resource utilization vary considerably from one socio-economic group to another depending on the flexibility and access to livelihood assets. The well-off and medium wealth households basically have more and better livelihood assets that make them efficient in utilization of wetland resources to accumulate more •incomes than LWG. Various impacts on wetland resource utilization include soil erosion, water pollution and biodiversity loss. In order to maintain the sustainability of wetland resources in supporting rural livelihoods, •it is important to have a proper agriculture plan that will increase production while conserving biodiversity. This can be achieved through agricultural intensification and developing irrigation schemes, providing of subsidies on agricultural inputs as well as credits to farmers. Such intervention strategies should take into consideration the socio-economic differentiation at household level.
Storage of moringa oleifera seed extract for efficient water coagulation; a case study of Lindi
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Nyarubamba, Anthony Kuboja
Surface water is one of the major source for domestic water in many developing countries and due to the great exposure of such water to contamination, treatment is necessary before use. Physical as well as chemical treatment can be used depending on the type of pollutant to be removed .Aluminum sulfate (Alum) is commonly used worldwide as a coagulant. However, it has many side effects to human health and environment for example it is known to cause Alzheimer’s disease, it produce large sludge volume which stays in the environment for long time,M.oleifera seed extra is a biocoagulant,non toxic, locally producible and friendly to the environment. The use of M.Oleifera seed extraction including Lindi salt extraction. Water extraction, consecutive extraction and phytofloc extraction. Indi salt extraction performed better compared to the rest and is easily obtained. The study revealed that M.Oleifera seed extract can be stored for eight weeks in ambient temperature(25C) and at refrigeration temperature(8C) without affecting the water flocculation efficiency and optimum dosage and flocculation efficiency.M.Oleifera seed extract can be processed at family level and at large scale therefore it can be used to supplement Aluminum sulfate if not to substitute it. The adoption of M.Oleifera seed extract as water coagulation may enable many people in rural and urban dwelling to access clean drinking water.
Strategic environmental assessment in agro pastoral district: a case of Kwimba district, Mwanza
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) John, Deogratias Makungu
This study was designed to develop strategic environmental assessment in Agro pastoral Kwimba district located in Mwanza region. Questionnaires, field survey, literature, consultations, interview and professional judgments’ were used as sources of data. The environmental situation in the district is not satisfactory as only 16% of the respondents were satisfied. Sources of environmental degradation and their magnitude were identified as follows; charcoal burning 26.8%, improper grazing 21.6%, fire wood collection 21.6%, improper farming methods 12.4%, redbrick burning 11.4% and timber harvesting 6.2%. Agriculture technologies that are used for farming are still poor, as the majority of respondents still use a combination of hand hoe and oxen plough (72.3%). The major environmental impacts identified, that are associated with agro pastoral activities were soil erosion (23.7%), loss of soil fertility (16.5%), desertification (15.5%), deforestation (14.4%), degradation of water point sources (12.4%) and degradation of vegetation resources (6.2%). This study identified few positive impacts associated with implementation of the District Agriculture Development Plan. However, there are many physical, biological and socio-economic environmental negative impacts identified which are likely to affect the plan objectives. This study concluded that environmental situation of the district is not satisfactory. The majority of agro pastoralists are still using poor farming methods and technologies and lack specific areas for grazing. There are many environmental impacts that are associated with agro pastoral activities. The plan has positive and negative impacts, which can be mitigated and enhanced respectively.
Assessment of impacts of petrol stations on environment and human health: the case of Kinondoni district in Dar es Salaam region
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Kyando, Tumaini Jason
This study was intended to investigate the nature and level of awareness, among stakeholders, on the impact of petroleum products in petrol stations on environment and human health in Tanzania with focus on fifteen (15) wards in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam region. The data was collected through questionnaire, focus group discussions, interviews and field observations. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings revealed that petroleum in petrol stations affect the environment through air pollution, distortion of sensitive habitat as well as killing of vegetation and micro-organism. Also affect human health through skin aches, dizziness, body fatigue, chest pain, and throat and lung irritation. Moreover, the study revealed that more than half of managers and workers interviewed are aware of the effects of the petroleum products in petrol stations on environment and human health. It is suggested that, more effort are needed to raise awareness among stakeholders on better management of petrol stations, proper handling and storage of petroleum products as we as to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement of the regulations and legislations governing the petroleum industry in the country. This will help to reduce the effects of petroleum products on environment and human health, improve compliance, enhance management capacity and improve welfare of the society.
Vulnerability assessment of rain-fed agriculture to climate change and variability in semi-arid areas of Tanzania: the case of Tabora Urban and Uyui District
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Mongi, Hector John
This study assessed vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture to climate change and variability in four clustered villages, three from Uyui district and one from Tabora district. Villages studied in Uyui were Mbola, Isila and Mpenge while in Tabora urban was Tumbi. Both secondary and primary data on biophysical and socio-economic aspects were collected using different approaches including structured interviews, focus group discussion, documentary review and field observations. Structured interviews were administered to 7% of all farmers selected at random from the four villages and 30 research and extension officers obtained through accidental purposeful sampling. Simple regression and t-test analyses of numeric data for rainfall and temperature collected over the last 35 growing seasons were performed using MS Excel and SAS respectively. Non-numeric data were coded, summarized and analyzed using SPSS spreadsheet. Results showed that overall rainfall amount was declining and distribution was varying both in time and space. Inter –seasonal dry spells between January and February appeared to increase both in duration and frequency. Increase in temperature was highly significant (p≤0.01), however, with minimum temperature increasing much faster than maximum. Farmers, research and extension officers also perceived these changes by the help of a series of indicators. Nevertheless, perception on the climate change indicators varied depending on the type of livehood activity most affected. Major implication on rain-fet agriculture included possible shrinking of the growing season, increasing moisture and heat stress to common food security. Basing on the results above, this study concludes that there is strong evidence demonstrating the vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture to negative impacts of CC&V in the study area. Among recommendations made is a need for multi-level interventions on adaption to climate change and variability taking into account a wide range of stakeholders’ involvement.
The role of indigenous knowledge in adaptation to climate change and variability: a case of Bagamoyo district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Andrew, Berlinson
This study investigated the role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaption to climate change and variability in two villages selected from two agro-ecological zones in Bagamoyo district. Data was collected by using informants interviews, focus group discussions, household survey as well as review of secondary data. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data were presented in descriptive forms: tables, figures, graphs, maps and photographs. The study found out that through IK, the communities studied have developed several indigenous adaption strategies that have enabled them to reduce their vulnerability to past and present climate change and variability. These strategies were particularly evident in farming, fishing, food presentation and storage and in dealing with natural disasters like droughts and famine. It is concluded that the communities studied have a high awareness of climate issues and through their IK, these communities have managed their resources and livelihoods in the face of challenging environmental and socio-economic conditions. Therefore, there is a need of recognizing and actively promoting IK through incorporating it into climate change policies and modern knowledge. Incorporating it into climate change policies and modern knowledge. Incorporating IK can add value to the development of sustainable climate change adaptation strategies that are rich in local content, and planned in conjunction with local people.
Climate change impacts and adaptive strategies in the Rufiji delta
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Ndesanjo, Ronald
The study aimed at investigating Climate Change impacts and adaptive strategies in the Rufiji Delta. The specific objectives included the following; to establish the local perceptions on climate and its associated changes, to establish evidences and/or indicators of climate change, to examine impacts of climate change on livelihood activities and to determine coping and adaptation strategies by local communities and other parties. The study employed descriptive design, together with qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection. The data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and documentary evidence. The study also took in a sample of households and Village Executive Officers. Findings of the study showed that livelihood activities in the study area particularly farming and fishing are already impacted by climate change. It was observed that most of the crops used to be grown have been abandoned with the exception of paddy that depend on irrigation. Similarly, fish catch was noted to have declined with disappearance of some of the species. On the other hand the study noted the increasing scarcity of basic household necessities especially food and water that was associated with the current frequent dry spells as well as altered rainfall patterns. The study also noted the impacts of sea water rise to settlements, underground aquifers and soils. Therefore, it is evident that the community is already impacted by climate change, a situation that calls for institutionalisation of such means as dry land agriculture, advanced fishing methods as well micro-crediting to enable such communities sustain their economies by engaging in secondary economic activities rather than relying upon nature.
Effectiveness of community based forest management approach in transforming local use of forest resources in Rufiji district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Shadrack, Stephene
Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) is a new paradigm that has emerged in recent years with the ultimate goal of improving forest management and enabling local people to benefit from the conserved resources. In Tanzania, studies on forest management under CBFM have shown that forest reserves under CBFM have so far been considered successful as demonstrated by the existence of healthy forests with little disturbance. This dissertation examines the effectiveness of CBFM in transforming local utilization of forest resources in Rufiji district. The study aimed at identifying the local uses of forest resources, establishing past and present trends in local use of forest resources prior to and as a result of CBFM and determining rules and institutions involved in forest resource management. Three villages of Muyuyu, Mangwi and Umwe north in Rufiji were selected for this study. Various methods were applied in the study, including household interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. The study shows that two types of utilization exist in the study areas; timber forest products (TFP) and non-timber forest products (NTFP). Utilization of forest resources have been categorized in three different time periods of 1961-1980, 1981-1999 and 2000 – 2007. Whilst each time period is reported to have different scenario on local utilization, broad commonalities are notable; among others are more access to forest resources, increasing numbers of rural household trading and using forest resources and extinction of species with far more economic and social implications than an ecological tragedy. Various types of institutions govern forest resource utilization and they influence access to forest resources in the study areas. Furthermore, the study indicates that higher CBFM awareness and involvement in its activities is positively related to existing social cohesion, dependency on forest resources and the ethnic mixture. The study recognized various benefits from CBFM, such as creation of alternative employments that are not based on forest resource use, increased cash income and decrease in destructive activities such as illegal timber and building poles harvesting and charcoal preparation. Among others, the study calls for increased community involvement in forest management and clarification of land resource ownership as well as user rights as key features for sustainable management of forest resources.

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