Interaction between indigenous and external knowledge in influencing adaptation to climate change impacts among communities of north Pare mountains, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the interaction between indigenous and external knowledge in influencing adaptation to climate change among communities in North Pare Mountains. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the local knowledge on climate change, indigenous and externally influenced practices for adapting to climate change (ii) assess the effects of interaction between indigenous and external knowledge systems for adapting to climate change; and (iii) determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of external practices for adapting to climate change. Information was obtained by using structured household questionnaire administered to 103 sampled households, PRA (focus group discussion and key informant interviews) and participant observations. Qualitative information was analyzed using content analysis which is a set of methods for analyzing symbolic content of any communication. Quantitative data were processed and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while logistic regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the extent of adoption of external practices and socio-economic/demographic factors. Results show that 52.2% of respondents see drought as an indicator of climate change. Other indicators mentioned were seasonal variation in rainfall, increasing air temperature and floods. Communities use externally influenced practices such as planting exotic tree species and crops, and modern water storage systems. Majority of the community use externally influenced practices and a combination of indigenous and externally influenced practices. Age, education level and income significantly influenced adoption of externally introduced practices. It is concluded that local adaptation to climate change will continue being influenced by both indigenous and externally driven knowledge. Harnessing the potential of indigenous knowledge and its interaction with external (professional) knowledge is paramount in building a climate resilient community in the north Pare Mountains. Therefore measures to enhance the indigenous adaptive capacity and its interactions with external knowledge are necessary. Further education on climate change and its impacts is necessary so as to increase the communities' resilience to climate change impacts.