Haule, Tiemo Romward2021-10-152021-10-152019Haule, T.R (2019). Role of non-timber forest products in communities’ adaptation to climate variability effects in Iringa district, Tanzania. Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaamhttp://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/16017Available in print form, EAF Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF QC981.8C5T34H384)This study was conducted to examine the role of non-timber forest products in communities’ adaption to the effects of climate variability in Iringa district. The study examined five villages surrounding Kitapilimwa Forest Reserve (KFR) which are: Itagutwa, Kinywang’anga, Kitapilimwa Mawindi and Mfyome. The sample constituted 328 respondents. Mixed research design was used to collect data whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Data collection methods were structured interview, in-depth interview, focused group discussions, field observation and documentary review. International Business Machines Statistical Products and service Solutions (IBM SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2007 software’s were used to analyse quantitative data whereas content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings indicate that in Iringa district for the past 31 years (1986-2016) there is a statistically significant increase in temperature and a statistically non-significant increase in rainfall coupled with intra-seasonal dry spells, late rainfall onset, early rainfall cessation and high annual rainfall variability. These variables have impacted on the local communities’ livehoods, including rain-led agriculture leading to, among others, low crop yields, food insecurity and low income. Similarly, the study found that the local communities adjacent to KFR use NTFPs from the reserve as a strategy for adapting to the effects of climate variability through direct household consumption, trade in NTFPs and exchange. Also, the study identified five main factors which threaten the adaptation role of NTFPs. The factors are anthropogenic degradation of the NTFPs, increase in temperature and low and erratic rainfall regime seasonal availability of some of the NTFPs unfair trade in NTFPs and strict by-laws that limit access to NTFPs. It is concluded that climate variability and its effects in the study area are evident as observed through increased temperature, low and erratic rainfall and a decreases in crop yields. Also, the study concluded that despite restricted access to KFR and degradation of NTFPs, local communities use NTFPs from KFR to enhance their resilience to the effects of climate variability. It is recommended that in irder to reduce the vulnerability of the local communities to the effects of climate variability and improve the adaptation role of NTFPs, the government and other stakeholders should support the local communities in terms of adding value to NTFPs, strengthen non-farm and off-farm income generating opportunities and, lastly, the government should involve local communities in formulating forest management regulations in a manner which ensures local in formulating forest management regulations in a manner whixh ensures local communities’ access o NTFPs while maintaining ecosystem integrity.enClimatic changeForests productsCommunitiesCitizan participationSemi and zoneIringa DistrictTanzaniaThesis