Climate change impacts and adaptation among coastal and mangrove dependent communities : a case of Bagamoyo district

Abstract

The study was done to determine perception, impacts and adaptation of coastal communities towards climate change. A total of three villages and 120 respondents were involved in the study. Both Focus Group Interviews and a structured questionnaire survey were employed for collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. Content and structural functional analysis was used for qualitative data while descriptive and logistic and regression analysis was employed for quantitative data. Results indicates that majority of the community are involved in both fishing and farming activities for both food and cash income. Results indicates further that majority of the respondents are aware of climate change and they perceive the same in relation to unusual rainfall (87.5%), drought (93.3%), floods (74.1%) and increased incidence of pest and diseases (55.8%). It was also found that farmers are coping with food insecurity as a result of declining food stocks and they have also developed adaptation strategies related to farming operations and livelihoods. However, adaptation varies depending on various farm and household factors and in this income, number of plots, extension services and farm size were highly significant and showed strong positive influence on adaptation to climate change. It is concluded that farmers are aware of climate change and have developed both coping and adaptation strategies against climate hazards. Promotion of extension and enhancement of off-farm activities are recommended for enhancing adaptive capacity of the population in the study area.