Institute of Resource Assessment

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Browsing Institute of Resource Assessment by Subject "Agro-Pastoralist"

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    Adaptation strategies to climate variability and change by gender in agro-pastoral communities of central Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Mtupile, Eliya Elias
    Resource inheritance to male individuals rather than females is predominant in agropastoral communities of semi arid areas of central Tanzania; and is a major cause for inequality in distribution of resources, participation in decisions and share of roles between men and women. This study examines gender-based vulnerability and adaptation strategies of such communities focusing on their roles. It was undertaken in Chamwino District, in Solowu and Mloda villages. 78 households were randomly chosen as respondents in a sample size of 5%. The majority of these (58.5%) came from male headed households, and 70.5% of all respondents were married. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through participatory methods and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Excel. Climate data for the past 30 years were also collected and analysed. Climate change and variability indicators were revealed from both climate and social data. Annual mean rainfall decreased from 700mm in 1980 to 490mm in 2010 while average temperature increased gradually. The late onset and early end of the rain season resulted into an increase in the hot season of the year and early drying of water sources for domestic use. Pests and diseases increased which affected crops, livestock and humans. Crop harvests particularly and consistently became very poor. Women and girls were most negatively affected due to increased roles with climate impacts. Their ability to recover from climate shocks were also limited by fewer resources. It was concluded that there are signs of climate change and variability affecting the study area. It was recommended that, an entry point to adapt to climate change is to identify roles that are most affected and identify and empower those most affected social groups. Key words: Adaptation, Climate Change, Gender, Agro-Pastoralist, Tanzania.