Role of climate variability and change impacts on small scale farmers migration in Tanzania: the case study of Mkinga district

This study assessed the role of climate variability andchange impacts on small scale farmers migration in Mkota and Bantu villages in Mkinga District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined challenges that face small scale farmers, by identifying push and pull factors that lead to small scale farmer’s migration and the most vulnerable groups of migrant population under the changing climate within Mkinga district. A sample of 10% of all household heads were sampled randomly and interviewed through questionnaires. Focus group discussions, interview with key informants and participants, and field observations were also used to collect data. Rainfall and temperature data were collected from Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA). Quantitative data were analyzed using Computer- based software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and MS-Excel. Some findings were presented in form of tables and figures. Findings show that, challenges facing small scale farmers were late seasonal rainfall, high temperature, food scarcity, changes in crops production, increased number of livestock death, and outbreak of human and plant diseases. Furthermore, lack of extension services aggravated the situation of small scale farmers, thus catalyzing migrations. Findings also revealed that impacts of climate change are varying with age, gender and geographical location. For example, small scale farmers from Mkota village are affected differently compared to those from Bantu village. It was found that most vulnerable groups include old women and men, and children. These groups were particularly vulnerable to drought which leads to crop failure, and hence inadequate food and water for households and livestock, respectively. It was further noted that prolonged drought, increase of temperature and evapo-transpiration were major factors influencing small scale farmers migration, whereas most of the farmers were migrating from dry parts towards wet parts such as Ronjo, all in Mkinga District. The study shows that adaptation measures innovated were, digging shallow wells along the dried Umba- River, and migration for both farmers and pastoralists. Shifting cultivation and reducing number of livestock by selling them and turn into business, were mentioned and observed. Suggested adaptation measures proposed were, use of drought resistant crops, construction of wells and dams, seasonal weather forecasting, and agro-forestry which should also be emphasized. Awareness creation on climate variability and change impacts and their pressure on small scale farmer’s migration are also needed.