Assessment of the millennium development goals projects in enhancing farmers’ adaptability to climate change impacts in Bunda district, Tanzania

Public and private institutions, have over the years been implementing several climate related initiatives in Bunda district, yet smallholder farmers are not fully taking the advantage of applying it as an economic opportunity around them; since adoption only takes place after awareness. This study focused on assessing MAF/MDGs projects in enhancing farmers’ adaptability to climate change impacts in selected study villages in Bunda district. The study explored participation of smallholder farmers in MAF projects towards addressing climate change impacts on food security, the perceived Climate Change impacts and determinants to farmers’ adaptation strategies and effectiveness of MAF projects in enhancing farmers’ adaptability to climate change impacts on food security. The study explored appropriate literature and theories that underpin strategies in enhancing farmers’ adaptability towards climate change impacts on food security in Tanzania. Methodological approaches were defined within the mixed method research design, whereby a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data from 219 respondents. Quantitative analysis involved using SPSS version 16 and Qualitative involved content analysis and in some instances Nvivo10.The findings revealed that the majority of farmers perceive long-term changes in temperature and precipitation implying that their areas are increasingly becoming drier and warmer. The study indicates that farming households are vulnerable to climate change impacts such as increased drought frequencies, prevalence of crop disease and pests. These impacts lead to decline in crop production and thus affect household incomes and food security. Farmers; generally respond by adapting at the farm level and household level through the changing of crops, planting dates, livelihood diversification, and storage. The determinants of adaptation have been household characteristics and institutional factors which determine access to information, extension services, and adequate agricultural credits. The study concludes that climate change is vivid in Bunda; and recommends more support from the government and other stakeholders to enable farmers move beyond short-term to long-term adaptation mechanisms.