Spatial and Temporal Trends in Agrobiodiversity and TheirImplications For Climate Change Adaptationand FoodSecurity in Lushoto District, Tanzania

Agrobiodiversity is a key aspect of biodiversity and is important in providing vital ecosystem functions. Various factors influence trends in agrobiodiversity however, the potential for these trends to enhance climate change adaptation have not been fully explored. The study was undertaken in four purposively selected villages namely Boheloi, Mbuzii, Y amba and Migambo in Lushoto District, Tanzania. A case study design was applied using both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data were obtained from household interviews and different participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques including focus group discussions. A sample size of 5% of farming households was randomly selected and interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. Findings from the study has shown that trends exist in the agrobiodiversity of Lushoto District. Vegetables and early maturing crops were gradually replacing tree crops in Boheloi and Mbuzii villages while tree crops dominated most farmlands in Yamba and Migambo villages. Empirical analyses of climate data suggested fluctuating average annual rainfall and temperature from 1984 to 2014. Furthermore, the logit model indicated that there was a significant relationship (p<0.01) between the adoption of agrobiodiversity and marital status, access to extension services and off-farm income. The findings also show that trends in agrobiodiversity in the area have a potential to enhance climate change adaptation and food security of rural households. The study therefore recommends that climate change adaptation and food security interventions should emphasize more on the practice of agrobiodiversity and the conservation of indigenous varieties.