Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources and Its Implication Agricultural Production on Songea Rural District Area

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
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.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr.Wilbert Chagula Library, class mark (THS EAF QC981.8.C5T34S82)
Keywords
Climate changes, Water resources development, Water supply, Agriculture, Songea Rural district, Tanzania
Citation
Sudi, Samwel Ghamunga (2015) Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources and Its Implication Agricultural Production on Songea Rural District Area, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam