Climate change and its effects on livelihood strategies of peri-urban coastal communities in Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the effects of climate change on livelihoods of the peri-urban coastal communities of Tanzania. Peri-urban coastal communities constituted the focus of the study because they are rapidly transforming albeit with limited attention in terms of planning and management. Four settlements were purposefully selected, two each from Dar es Salaam region and Kisarawe district. The methods for data collection included; interviews, observations, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, mapping and official interviews. Livelihood strategies were reflected upon using the sustainable livelihood framework. Results show that while a thirty year trend data for rainfall is decreasing, the temperature is on the increase. These trends have negatively affected agriculture, which is the main livelihood activity of the local communities. Climate change has contributed to food shortages, stress on water resources and households’ diminishing propensity for savings. A half of the respondents (50 percent) were aware of these changes have been coping by shifting from water dependent to drought resistant crops such as cassava, engaging in petty trading and casual labor and migrating to other regions with adequate rainfall. As a way forward, it has been recommended that the government in collaboration with key stakeholders should engage in developing practical interventions for alternative livelihood strategies that will assist local communities to effectively adapt to the threats of climate change.