Role of local agricultural innovation system and policy adjustments in enhancing adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to climate change: a case of Manyoni District in Singida Region

This study examined the role of local agricultural innovation system and policy adjustments in enhancing adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to climate change in semi-arid; Tanzania. Two villages namely Sanjaranda and Gurungu both in Sanjaranda ward, Manyoni District were involved in this study. Literature review, focus group discussion (n=35), key informant interviews (n=13), household survey (n=94), transect walk and field observation (n=4) were employed in data collection. Findings indicated a decreasing trend in rainfall in the past 32 years and annual average temperature increase by 0.7oC. The study also revealed that, farmers (proportions in brackets) adopted different agriculture innovations including the use of improved crop varieties (80.5%), improved agronomic practices (56.4%), soil and water management (36.1%) and incorporation of farm yard manure into soils (55%). Generally, the adoption was higher in Sanjaranda than Gurungu due to interventions by CCAA programme and other initiatives. Besides, maize, sunflower and sorghum average yields increased in both villages; however yields in Sanjaranda were higher than Gurungu as the result of various agricultural innovations adopted. The study further identified policy issues such as accessibility to farm inputs and implements, agriculture loans at affordable rates and strengthened extension services in the case villages. It can be concluded that, strengthening local agricultural innovation system and policy adjustments could enhance crop production and improve livelihoods under changing climate. Therefore, more capacity building on agriculture innovations is required.