Impact of climate change to farming and household response strategies in Mbulu district Tanzania: the case of Bashay Ward

The study investigated changing farming patterns and impacts to the climate change. The overall objective of the study was to evaluate environmental and socio-economic impacts and examine household response strategies to cope with climate change in Mbulu district. The study was carried out in three villages of Harsha, Bashay and Yaeda Kati of Mbulu District. Secondary data were collected through literature review while primary data were collected by using participatory rural appraisal methods: Key informant interviews, household questionnaires, focus group discussions and observations. A sample size of 10% of all households from each village was interviewed, of which 30 were the households in Harsha, 38 in Bashay, and 36 in Yaeda Kati. Results indicated that crop production was the major economic activity in the area. The moving bundle of four years trend was applied to analyze the trend of rainfall from 1935 to 1991, to get a clear picture of periods prolonged droughts and floods. The results indicated that the trend of rainfall slightly decreased while temperature was increasing. However, the trends of both rainfall and temperature showed proportionality in trends. Local people also correlated with these changes. The changes have reduced crop and livestock production. The study covered household socio-economic and ecological response strategies used by farmers, namely; farming systems, crop diversification, and institutional reform. It was concluded that adaptation to farmers’ vulnerability to climate change should be acted on through individuals and groups to minimize or eliminate the impacts of climate change. Finally, the study recommends that Local Government Authorities to lobby and advocacy on farmers’ vulnerability to climate change, so every change could be effected.