Abstract:
The thrust of this study was to discern perceptions of rural people about climate variations
and assess their ability to adapt to the changes accordingly.
The specific objectives were
to: (i) assess farmers' perception about climate change indicators affecting agriculture, (ii)
analyze micro-level
analyse farmers'
climate change impacts facing farmers on production
adaptation to effects of climate change on production
systems, (iii)
systems, and (iv)
assess adequacy of off-farm coping strategies in reducing livelihood risks associated with
climate variability. The data for this study were collected through household
The questionnaires was administered
selected villages,
to a sample of 240 farming households
three from Kilosa District, two from Morogoro
District. Data were analysed using descriptive and quantitative
perceived by farmers, and
rainfall
intensity
from six
rural and one from
Mvomero
temperature,
interviews.
sunshine
methods. As
intensity
were
mentioned by most farmers as among the major indicators having great impact on climate
variability and change. The study results showed that farmers'
awareness
about climate
variations is high and that production systems of farmers have been highly impacted due
to prolonged
droughts,
dry spell, untimely
rains and changes
in rainfall seasons. The
results showed that most people in rural areas still do not know what the major agents of
climate change are. However,
the rural farmers have some knowledge
and capacity in
trying to adapt and cope to the climate changes although the capacities to deal with the
climatic variability
must be formulated
information,
are still low. Consequently
to address
adaptation
it is recommended
strategies
credit, extension services and strengthening
to farmer extension.
Additional
that focus
that effective policies
more on access
to
social networks through farmer
actors such as the private sector, NGOs, and the media
should be more involved in promoting the adaptation process.
