Gwambene, Brown2021-02-112021-02-112007Gwambene, B (2007) Climate change and variability adaptation strategies and its implications on land resources in Rungwe district, Tanzania. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaamhttp://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/14772Available in print form, EAF Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF QC981.8.C5G92)Climate change and variability impacts are one of primary environmental concerns of the 21st century. To deal with climate change and variability problems, different coping and adaptation strategies have been taken into account, but often these strategies have led to land resources degradation. The effects are worse in rural areas in developing countries because of their low adaptation capacity. This study investigated the implications of coping and adaptation strategies associated with climate change and variability on land resources in three villages of Rungwe district with 6% sample size of household each. The methodologies used include review of secondary data; focus group discussions and Excel were used to analyze quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed by cross tabulation and comparison of different views. Results were presented in description forms: tables, charts, graphs, maps and photographs. Results revealed unplanned adaptation strategies particularly cultivation of riverbanks and within crater lakes, intensification of field to the forest and marginal land. All have resulted in land resources degradation. For example, poor farming practices and heavy reliance on land recources have resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, which reduced water retention, increased flooding after rains and reduced water flow between rainy seasons. Animal folder, plant species diversity, organisms and the ecosystem have been affected. Natural resource bases that provide safety net functions during stress periods have been reduced. The probability of abnormal events, which threatened human and ecosystems have increased. In achieving sustainable land resource management, the planned adaptation strategies (for example irrigation, growing drought resistance crops, tree planting, and diversification of economic activities) must be instituted. Such strategies have to provide an environment for local people to understand possible impacts of climate variability and how they can survive from those impacts.enClimatic changesLand useManagementTanzaniaRungwe districtThesis