Adaptation strategies by smallholder rice farmers under the influence of climate change: a case of Kilombero basin, Tanzania

Abstract

Climate change is emerging as one of the unprecedented challenges facing smallholder farmers in Tanzania who depend largely on rain-fed agricultural production. Weather forecast and prediction in Tanzania indicate that extremes of drought and flood will be more frequent and inconsistent. These changes affect smallholder farmers due to the fact that these farmers are more vulnerable because of limited resources endowment and low knowledge on how to adapt to climate change impacts. Currently, knowledge within academic and policy making cycles on how these smallholder farmers adapt to climate change impacts is limited to permit planning for effective adaptation strategies. This study therefore assessed adaptation strategies by smallholder rice farmers under the influence of climate change in Kilombero Basin. Specifically, this study determined farmers' perception on climate change attributes, identify the impact of climate change to rice production, identified various adaptation strategies by small scale rice farmers and to examine sustainability of adaptation strategies by small-scale rice farmers. Data collection for this study involved interviews with heads of households using questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informants' interview using checklist questions. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished documents. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and content analytical procedures were used to analyze qualitative data. Results indicated that the adaptation to climate change varied by household characteristics, knowledge and practices. Households' assets to permit vibrant adaptations to climate change were found weak and inconsistence in rainfall pattern and inadequate climatic information complicated further the ability of various households to effectively adapt to climate change. In order to improve adaptability to climate change impacts, awareness rising among fanners is recommended through training and information transfer through mass media. Also Tanzania Meteorological Agency has to put more emphasis on information flow concerning weather forecasts to reach wider groups of smallholder farmers.