Adaptation strategies to climate change and variability of small scale rice producers in Maswa district, Tanzania

Abstract

Climate change (CC) is a worldwide problem affecting agricultural sector. The pattern and amount of rainfall affect agricultural production. Rice farming is vulnerable to the risks and impacts of CC, resulting in losses and decreased crop yield. The purpose of this study was to assess adaptation strategies to climate change and variability as experienced by small-scale rice producers in Maswa District. The study examined farmers' perception to CC, CC trends, the effects of CC on rice yields, identify and document short and long term adaptation strategies undertaken by communities. Purposive sampling of 120 respondents was used. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires; secondary data were collected from TMA and DALDO's offices. Data were analysed using Mann Kendall Test and MS excel computer programme. Link between climate variables and rice yield was determined through linear regression model. Short and long term adaptation strategies were identified using descriptive analysis using SPSS. Results indicated that rainfall trend was decreasing over 30 years particularly April and May had decreased by -2.438 and -1.593 respectively which was significant at Iz I ~ 2. Temperature increased over the period, specifically in February, April and May with significant increase at Iz I 2: 2. There was significant relationship between rice production and rainfall which increased by 1.19 tons ha-1 for every increase in one unit of rainfall at p < 0.05. Identified adaptive strategies were: use of early maturity varieties, diversification of crops, growing drought tolerant varieties, adopting irrigation technologies i.e. long and shallow wells or canals and changing sowing dates. This study recommends appropriate interventions by farmers leading to sustainable use of adaptation technologies for sustainable production. Efforts and resources should be directed towards supporting research for developing more rice varieties which are drought tolerant, water efficient user and developing technologies to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.