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Adoption level and challenges of drip irrigation system as a climate change adaptation strategy in agricultural production in Kilosa district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Johnson, Namkunda
Drought impact on agriculture production can be overcomed by continuous adoption of water efficient irrigation system like Drip Irrigation System. Objectives of this study were to analyze the adoption level of Drip Irrigation Systems, determinant factors, challenges and benefits associated with the adoption. The study employed 120 small scale farmers from Kibaoni and Rudewa-Batini villages in Kilosa District who were purposely selected basing on the water related measures they used in agriculture. The Participatory Rural Appraisals techniques including Focus Group Discussion, Household Interview, Key Informant Interview and Direct Observation were used to collect data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models to obtain meaningful results. Key findings show that, adoption level of Drip Irrigation System is low compared to Furrow Irrigation System due to lack of sufficient knowledge and farmers’ familiarity with the technology that goes with it. As a result, agriculture production has remained low due to drying of crops before maturity thus incurring huge losses because of the investment made on the farms. It is because of this background that adoption of Drip Irrigation System becomes necessary for communities. It is therefore recommended that local governments need to develop and encourage polices that support the adoption of Drip Irrigation System. They should also set out innovative financial mechanisms that will assist in empowering small scale farmers with more knowledge on adaptation strategies. This can be done through additional trainings and formulation of cooperative groups where lessons and success stories will be shared by the small scale farmers.
Agricultural production in a changing climate and its implications to farmers’ adaptation in Kilosa district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Maro, Noel J.
The study was conducted in Kilosa district with the aim of examining agricultural production in a changing climate and its implication to farmers‟ adaptation. The district Agro-ecological zones vary ranging from semi-arid to humid climate with three agro ecological zones of Flood plain, Plateau, and Highland. The study also analysed socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers in the study area, factors affecting agricultural production, effects of climate change and variability in agriculture production, and challenges and opportunities on agricultural production and adaptation options in the context of climate change and variability in the study area. The study used structured and semi-structured interview to collect data from smallholder farmers, government officials and experts, and secondary data from published and unpublished sources. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Three villages of Chanzuru, Kondoa, and Ilonga were chosen from the district as study sites. Results indicated that the level of education, gender, age, and wealth of the head of household; social capital, and agro-ecological settings, all compromises the ability of the farmers to adapt to climate change and variability. This leads to the suggestion that, there is a need for serious awareness campaign on the causes of climate change in the study area and several adaptation strategies that can be put in place. Analysis of climate data showed that there is a change/ variation in both rainfall (Severe flood, changes in rainfall amount as well as changes in rainfall patterns) and temperature (excessive temperature, moisture components). These changes and variability in climatic conditions causes soil fertility loss, soil erosion problem and consequently lead to an overall decrease in income of small-scale farmers, and so does to adaptation of climate change. Results further showed that technical factors such as poor extension services, poor policy, lack of agriculture subsidies, lack of climate information services and social economic factors such as lack of security of land, poor tenure system, lack of reliable market, and lack of farmers cooperatives has significant effects on appropriate adaptation to climate change and variability on agricultural activities in the study area. Study findings revealed various challenges and opportunity associated with the changes/ variability in climate in the study area. Challenges include changes in family income, changes in family role and responsibilities as well as changes in division of labour. Opportunities include employment opportunities as well as diversification of economic activities
Agro-ecosystems’ resilience to damage: determination of index of susceptibility to climate change in mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Shirima, Kelvine
This study assesses maize-coffee-banana agro-ecosystems’ resilience to damage on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It identifies agronomic practices and assessing their impacts on agro-ecosystems’ resilience; examine the socio-economic status of the farmers in the region and its impacts on agro-ecosystems; and examine the agro-ecosystems’ natural resilience and assess socio-ecological susceptibility index to the impacts of climate change. About 400 households was covered in this survey with response rate of 97%.Farmers were asked on their farming practices and systems, key informants and transect walk was also employed in gathering necessary information. Study was carried out at a specific designed transect for a selected part of Kilimanjaro region between Kisangesangeni-Miwaleni (700 m.a.s.l) and Makunduchi/Kirua Vunjo (1600 m.a.s.l) of about 21.7 km long and 2km wide southern part of Mount Kilimanjaro in Moshi rural district. The study shows a significant variation in agronomic practices with altitude and lack of sufficient agro-ecosystem resilience framing like conservation agriculture including agro-forestry, conservation tillage, contouring and terracing, mulching, intercropping, and fallowing to mention few; pest and disease control, soil conservation infrastructure, and off farm diversification was also a key challenge to farmers. Parameters like drought frequency, number of household dependants, social safety nets, off farm contribution, possession of land title, wood usage as cooking energy, access to extension services, fallowing practice, farm acreage possession per household, and response to drought cases have been included in socio-ecological susceptibility index computation. Because of variation over altitude the susceptibility also vary with altitude.Recommendations have been given like creating good adaptation options which includes imposing and establishment of traditional and non-traditional high value crops as well as facilitating social safety nets necessary for household income diversification.
Assessment of factors influencing agricultural productivity in smallholder irrigation schemes in Tanzania: a case of Kwemazandu Irrigation Scheme in Korogwe District
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Munna, Godfrey Vincent
This study assessed the factors influencing agricultural productivity in smallholder irrigation schemes in Tanzania. The focus is made on kwemazandu smallholder irrigation scheme in Korogwe District. The methodology employed to attain the study objectives is based on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and household interview. Results showed that main socio economic factors which influence productivity of the scheme are land tenure system, availability and affordability of agricultural inputs, and level and number of irrigation infrastructures,. Environmental and ecological issues observed to contribute to declining crop production of the scheme is water availability which is highly contributed by low flow in River Lwengera due to clime change and climate variability and land use change in the catchment area. Further results showed that institutional arrangements from district to scheme level, lack commitment to development of the scheme mostly due to inadequate funds to invest in the scheme for improvement of irrigation infrastructures, poor dissemination of required knowledge and weak enforcement of bylaws. Recommendations given to improve production are provision of customary lands right to scheme farmers and intensification of paddy farming by capacitating farmers to access credits for agricultural inputs, dissemination of knowledge and new technology through establishment of Farmers’ Field School (FFS) in the scheme and allocation of more funds to the scheme for either rehabilitation or construction of new infrastructures. Improvement of design of upstream traditional irrigation schemes, introduction of drought tolerant crop varieties and awareness campaign to all farmers is suggested to minimize the impacts of climate change and climate variability. The recommendations aim at improving crop production in smallholder irrigation schemes without compromising ecological integrity
Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources and Its Implication Agricultural Production on Songea Rural District Area
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Sudi, Samwel Ghamunga
This study aimed at assessing climate change impacts on water resources and its implication in agriculture production. The study was carried out in songea rural district Tanzania. Both primary and secondary data sources were used during data collection. Primary data on the perception of people were obtained through, focus group discussion and interview and qualified by observations. While primary data on river flow and metrological trends were obtained from Ruvuma sub-basin office in Songea and Tanzania Metrological Agency Headquarters in Dar Es Salaam Respectively. The finding shows that the local people perceive that there are already changes in rainfall and temperature Empirical analysis of rainfall suggest decreasing rainfall by 110 mm for the past 33 years as well as an increase in average minimum annual temperature in early 2010’s. These changes have already affected water resources as well as crop and livestock resulting in decreased water availability and reduction in agricultural production. Moreover, the study has shown that domestic water users and small scale farmers have employed various adaptation and mitigation measures to cope with the effects of climate change. Respondents suggested various adaptation and mitigation measures that may assist in reducing impacts of climate change. As the study found that some of the adaptation strategies used might not be sustainable in the long run, it recommended that more effective measures should be used to rescue the situation. Such measures could include reforestation projects.
Assessment of improved maize seeds as an adaptation option to the impacts of climate change and variability amongst smallholder farmers in Mbeya district
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Rikanga, Michael David
Assessment of the adoption of improved maize seeds as an adaptation strategy to the impacts of climate change and variability was conducted in three wards of Inyala, Tembela and Bonde la Songwe located in lowlands, highlands and rift valley agro ecological zones were respectively. SPSS software was used to analyze household survey data. Temperature and rainfall data were analyzed using Microsoft excel – Mann Kendel software. The study revealed that 93.3% farmers were within the age group of 45-54 and 55 and above giving a good impression on experience they had in farming. The study noted that 81.7% were aware of the climate change through media and from hearing the term in meetings while 18.7% mentioned that they did not know anything at all about climate change. Signs of climate change identified with percentage in brackets were; increase in temperature (32.5%), decrease in rainfall (30%), change in agricultural season (4.2%), delayed onset of rainfall (7.5%), and early onset of rainfall (0.8%) and (25%) were not aware of any signs. Climate data from TMA revealed both maximum and minimum mean temperature had significant increase at p<0.001. Rainfall had decreasing trend but not significant at p<0.005.Interviewed respondents argued that rainfall has decreased by 74%. A significant number of respondents agreed that improved maize variety can be a solution to adapting to climate change because of their traits such as high yield, drought tolerance, pest and diseases resistance and early maturity but also others argued traditional varieties to be better because of their ability to withstand climate shocks and resistant to weevils. The yield difference between improved and traditional seeds was big giving a surplus that could be sold to acquire other needs hence able to adapt to the shocks of climate change in case need arises. The information flow between farmers and agricultural/extension officers was 58.3% and only 5.8% had attended climate change adaptation trainings on agriculture. The study recommends further studies in the field of improved seeds and adaptation to climate change.
Assessment of the impact of climate change on Cashewnut production: a case of Tunduru District, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2018) Haule, Jonathan Albeno
This study was conducted to assess the impact of climate change on cashewnuts production in Tunduru District from 1973 to 2010. The district is one of the biggest producers of cashewnuts in Tanzania. The decline in cashewnut production in the district was from 1973/1974 (9,695 Mt) to 2010/2011 (14,040 Mt). Three randomly selected villages based on their cashewnuts production potentials; Mbesa, Namasakata and Ligunga were involved in this research. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected, analysed and presented in graphs, tables, charts and columns. The study revealed that climate change was evident as exhibited by decreasing trends of annual rainfall, increasing trends of annual temperatures and decreasing trends of diurnal temperature ranges. Climate change was also perceived by 93.3% of respondents. However, it was found that there was no direct relationship between cashwnuts production and the changing climate. However, climate change as a threat multiplier it exacerbated proliferations of powdery Mildew Disease, which was found to be a major problem of cashewnuts production in the area. The disease could also have been aggravated by poor husbandry of cashewnut groves caused by poor income capital as reported by 84.5% of respondents in this study. Cashewnut was highly dependent cash crop, the decline in its production reflected poor income earnings and low living standards for communities in the study area. The use of disease resistant and high yielding planting materials, enhanced pesticides application, provision of soft loans coupled with attractive producer prices as adaptations and coping strategies were mentioned as key issues to be addressed so as to enhance cashewnut industry in the study area.
Contribution of alternative income generating activities in reducing pressure on forests in REDD+ context: The case of Nou catchment forest reserve in Babati district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Malley, Grace
This study was undertaken in two selected villages called Madunga and Qameyu in Babati District. Following growing concerns on the mitigation of the impacts of climate change, there has been introduction of various Income Generating Activities (IGAs) in different forest-communities in the country. To examine their efficiency, the contribution of introduced IGAs to communities’ livelihoods in Nou Catchment Forest Reserve (NCFR) was assessed. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of established alternative IGAs in improving livelihoods and thus reducing pressure on NCFR, in the efforts to create conducive atmosphere for Reducing Emission on Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) to achieve its objectives of reducing emissions and improving livelihoods to the communities. Methods used include focus group discussion (FGD) involving 15 people in each village, key informants interviews (10 individuals) and household interviews of 5% (60 households) and field observation. Qualitative data was summarized and analyzed through content analysis approach. Data was presented in the form of statistical tables,graphs,charts, and maps, while quantitative data analysis involved Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) for descriptive statistics such as frequencies and means. Microsoft Excel was used for graphical presentations of figures.The findings show that far less income is realized by the local communities as compared to the expected income (only 10% of the expected incomes), and thus the IGAs have not contributed much to the communities livelihoods. Of the existing IGAs, ecotourism, Village Community Banks (VICOBA) and energy saving stoves seemed to be more pronounced in both villages. Three major factors hindered the adoption and performance of the IGAs were unreliable and untimely funding, low motivation among the community members to try new activities (clinging to traditional practices of agriculture and livestock keeping) and low level of education, skills and awareness on the IGAs to the entire community. In order to improve the performance and contribution of IGAs in the study area, the study recommends establishment of strategies to support Nou adjacent villagers in marketing their products produced from alternative IGAs and thus being invulnerable to periodic supports from facilitators, adopt strategies to ensure the knowledge and skills on the IGAs (trainings, seminars) reach the entire community and benefits all, and introducing some IGAs that are more traditional and align with the agro-pastoralist society of the study villages such as piggery.
Diffusion of climate change information in the farming communities of Iramba district in Tanzania: a case Study of Ulemo and Mampanta villages of Iramba District, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Magoma, Anold
Based on grounded theory, the study analysed the diffusion of climate change information in the rural areas of Iramba District and how such information assisted farmers to understand the causes and impact of climate change, and how to mitigate and adapt to it. A qualitative approach was employed in applying interdisciplinary methods to design, collect, analyse and interpret the data collected through survey questions in the villages in two communities of Iramba District and interviews with the key informants at village and district level. The empirical analysis indicated that climate change information has been diffused through linear communication, transmitted to rural communities through district officers, formal village meetings and radio. The process of diffusion of climate change information seemed to support the globalized science of climate change, external agents and means of communication as opposed to embracing artefacts of local content. It was also noted that not everybody in the community had sufficient knowledge on aspects of climate change, such its causes, impact and responses to it. For the effectiveness of communication in supporting rural communities to understand and become involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives, diffusing climate change information should emerge within the specific context and be driven by the users’ needs, values and ability to process information. The diffusion process must capitalize on local context so that climate adaptation and mitigation information may become useful in helping farmers exchange ideas. Further study is required to investigate the feasibility of traditional knowledge in diffusing information on climate change and the related impact and adaptive or mitigating circumstances in rural communities.
Farmers’ adaptation strategies in agriculture production in a changing climate: case study of Rombo district.
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Kauki, Boniface Gerald
This study examined farmers adaptation strategies in agriculture production in changing climate. Data for this study were collected in Nguduni and Mahango village in Rombo Districts using quabtitative and qualitative techniques. To capture adguate information 5% (80) of total households were randomly selected and 5 key informant and four focus group discusion were purposelvely selected. The data collected were analysed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. The study findings indicate that farmers perceive Temperature and Rainfall to have changed. About 42.5% of respondents interviewed perceived that, temperature has increased, but rainfall has decreased for the past 30 years. However, farmers claimed that the onset and session of rainfall has also changed. Change in rainfall and temperature has impacted agriculture in the study area. Based on farmers crop yield has declined leading to food and income shortage among the households. To adapt to climate change impacts, farmers have taken some efforts to adjust their farming practice by changing planting period, switching to high and early mature crops, planting drought resistant crop and adopt water conservation techniques. However, farmer’s efforts to adapt to climate change have been obstructed by limited financial capacity, lack of substantial agricultural information such as weather forecasting and inadequate knowledge about climate change. The study recommends local adaptation strategies to be streamlined to relevant policies in order to enhance local farmers’ adaptive.
Gender analysis of household adaptation strategies to food shortage in Magu district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Zacharia, Chriphord
Food insecurity and shortage is a major development problem that is caused by countless factors in the global, regional, national and local spheres of human life. Several efforts have been put in place to alleviate food shortage globally, nationally and even locally. Despite these efforts, the situation continues to prevail and sometimes even increase in the contemporary human society. It is therefore imperative that food insecurity gets addressed appropriately. Small scale farmers, particularly rural women, play a vital role in food production especially through subsistence farming. However, their households are major casualties of food insecurity despite their efforts in food production. Through using a modified framework from sustainable livelihood climate variability and change exerts multiple stresses on biophysical and social economical aspects. The primary stresses include climate risks such as drought, high temperature and flood, which in turn trigger secondary stresses such low yield and low harvest production, which increase vulnerability to socio-economic on gender to access resources of household food security. Successful implementation of the gender household adaptation strategies to food shortage would have to reduce gender vulnerability and improve household food shortage. The study aimed at determining how climate variability impacts households’ food security and then to identify gender differentiation in vulnerability to food shortage and at the same time to establish gender adaptation strategies to household food shortage. The sampling techniques which were used are simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Two villages were sampled purposively with total of 650 households. The sample size was 65 households which formulate ten percent of the population. The Methods used to collect data were surveys, interviews and focus group discussions. The study findings revealed that in order to improve household food shortage there must be gender mainstreaming in adaptation measures to climate change and variability. Therefore policy makers should develop proper and fast drought information delivery systems; they should put emphasis on agricultural production by the use of improved livestock and crop varieties; they should formulate and implement of adaptation policies in the dry areas; and they should empower farmers especially women
Impact of climate change on land resource use conflict: a case of Mvomero District, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2016) Msangi, Seif Ramadhani
The study examined the impact of climate change on land resource use conflict in Mvomero District, Tanzania. A large part of the study area has already experienced conflicts between herders and farmers. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Household Questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and participant observation were employed during data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 20 and Ms Excel. The study established out that the mean annual rainfall patterns appear to have have decreased significantly (-ve Slope). There is also high fluctuation in decreasing rainfall (R2=0.161). Temperature increment is one of the indicators of the changing climate. The data also show high variation of temperatures (R2 =0.265). The data were recorded for 30 consecutive years. The study noted that land resource competition among farmers and pastoralists is exacerbating resource and consequential conflicts. It was further noted that, cattle raids increase during drought periods. The findings are interpreted to be indicative evidence that land use conflicts in Mvomero District are shaped by population growth, overstocking, lack of clear demarcations, poor land policies, and shortage of grazing land, Also corruption, environmental change, which eventually cause water scarcity, scarcity of pasture and detritions of land fertility. Budget allocation in Mvomero District for five years shows that, the articulation of climate change impact mitigation and adaptation interventions in the sector budget is very limited in study area. Apparently, appeared to be the methods used to manage conflicts between farmers and herders in the area were effective. Nevertheless, comment still in study area experience farmer-herder conflicts in the district. The study provides recommendations on what should be done to tackle impacts of climate change and hence manage the farmer-herder conflicts.
The impact of small scale irrigation schemes on farmers’ livelihood in Tanzania the case of Iganjo irrigation scheme in Mbeya region
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Haule, Lucy
Agriculture is one among the important sectors in sustaining people’s livelihood in Tanzania. However, due to some risks facing rainfed agriculture such as erratic rainfall and declining soil fertility, irrigated agriculture is important in supplementing rainfed agriculture as it improves agricultural productivity and consequently livelihoods. Nevertheless, irrigated agriculture is costly to the government and the farmers and because of that, it is important to investigate the impact of irrigated agriculture on farmers and country’s economy. The main objective of this study was to investigate the potentials and challenges of irrigated agriculture for improving small scale farmers’ livelihood with the case study of Iganjo irrigation scheme in Mbeya urban district. The choice of the scheme was purposive because unlike many irrigation schemes in the district, which are rice focused, this one is based on other crops different from rice. A total of 110 heads of households were selected randomly and for comparative purposes the sample involved both farmers participating in irrigated and rainfed agriculture. Quantitative primary data were collected through household survey by using structured questionnaires. This was complemented by qualitative data obtained from physical observation, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished materials from libraries and internets. The qualitative data collected were arranged and then coded into the Statistical Package for Socio Sciences (SPSS) software for analysis while quantitative data were coded directly in the SPSS software for analysis. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for cross tabulation and calculation of percentages, frequencies, t-test and chi-square values. The Microsoft Excel 2010 version was used for data editing, tables and figures formation. Findings showed that farmers who were practicing irrigated agriculture had significantly (p<1% and p<5%) improved livelihoods compared to rainfed farmers in terms of access and possession of natural, financial, social, human and physical assets. Findings further showed that the participation of farmers in irrigated agriculture was influenced by a number of factors but mainly accessibility to inputs and credits presence of irrigation infrastructures, land ownership as well as possession of knowledge and skills related to irrigated agriculture.For optimal performance of smallholder irrigated agriculture there should be establishment of affordable agricultural credits, good quality inputs and enhanced access to the extension services and crop markets.
Pathways to enhance climate change resilience among pastoral households in Simanjiro district northern Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Ndesanjo, Ronald
The main objective of this study was to understand the pathways of enhancing resilience to climate variability and change among pastoral households in Simanjiro District-Northern Tanzania. Primary data were collected using household and institutional surveys while secondary data were obtained from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency. Climatic data were analysed using Standardised Precipitation Index while household and institutional data were analysed using Regression and Ego-network analyses respectively. It was found that temperature and precipitation trends have changed over the past four decades. Extreme climatic events, particularly drought, have become less predictable; drought-driven food and water insecurity are major determinants of household and livestock vulnerability while climate-driven diseases such as malaria and tick-borne still pose potential health risks. The study further established that livelihoods diversification and migration are major determinants of climate change adaptation and resilience building. Also, the study found that traditional leadership, village government(s) and local NGOs as well as their existing ties are instrumental in enhancing local communities’ climate change resilience. It is concluded that livelihoods diversification and migration are key pathways to enhancing households’ climate change resilience. It is recommended that gradual livelihoods diversification initiatives should be potential policy intervention(s) in enhancing climate change resilience among pastoral households. Further studies should examine determinants of anticipatory coping and adaptive strategies against climatic as well as other socio-economic perturbations. This goes along with getting deeper understanding on role on cross-level institutions in promoting climate change resilience.
The role of indigenous knowledge in weather forecasting and climate change adaptation in agriculture: a case of Mvomero district, Tanzania
(University of Dar es Salaam, 2017) Kiama, Agatha D.
This study was conducted in two agricultural communities of Makuyu and Wami-Dakawa villages in Mvomero district, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. The study aimed at assessing the role of Indigenous Knowledge(IK) in weather forecasting and in climate change adaptation in agriculture. Specifically, the study assessed communities’ perception on both IK and climate change; identified and documented indicators used by local communities in the prediction of weather as well as IK practices used in coping with climate variability. The study also assessed the reliability of IK and conventional forecasting systems. Methodologies used in data collection included, household surveys, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Ms-Excel and were presented in form of tables, frequency, percentage and figures. Findings showed that majority (93.5%) of the respondents were aware of climate change and its impacts. About 70% of these communities rely on IK in weather forecasting and in coping with the challenges brought about by climate change in agriculture. The most locally used indicators in weather forecasting included behaviour of certain trees, appearance and behaviour of birds, insects and animals, Planting drought resistant crops and temporal migration were identified as the most used practices in coping with the challenges of climate change. IK in weather forecasting was pointed to be more reliable as compared to conventional forecasting because it is readily available, area specific and costless. Promotion of IK practices by mainstreaming them into national plans and policies will ensure subsequent documentation and its sustainability.

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