Adaptation strategies of small-scale agriculture production to climate change impacts in Micheweni, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract. Bakari MS, Abdallah JM, Hella JP. 2018. Adaptation strategies of small-scale agriculture production to climate change impacts in Micheweni, Tanzania. Trop Drylands 3: 60-75. The impacts of climate change in the form of prolonged drought, low rainfall, increasing temperature and sea level rise are predicted to affect developing nations especially in the dryland region such as in Africa. This study was conducted in three Shehias within Micheweni district, Pemba, Tanzania to assess the extent of climate change impacts and crop yields. Specifically, the study aimed to identify and assess climate change impacts to small scale farmers, assess the link between precipitation, temperature, sea-level rise, crop/fish production, identify and assess climate change adaptation strategies by small-scale farmers in the District. Primary data were obtained through focus group discussions, key informants, and households. Household questionnaires and checklists were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to obtain information from respondents. In each Shehia, a sample of 30 households was randomly selected from the register for household interviews. Climate data were obtained from Pemba Meteorological Headquater at Chake Chake Airport and the Matangatuani station. Secondary data were extracted from literature review. Data analysis was done using Excel (to get descriptive statistics), Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), correlation analysis and content analysis methods. The trend of climate measured for the last 30 years showed decreasing precipitation and increased temperatures. The highest annual average rainfall was 196.2 mm (1986) and the lowest 72.5 mm (2001) measured at the Matangatuani Meteorological station. Crop failure, low crop production, soil infertility, crop pests/diseases and seawater intrusion were major climate change impacts. Results indicated annual decrease in crop production in the past 10 years, with pests and diseases, uneven distributed low rainfall and extended drought periods. Crop rotation, use of improved seeds and new crop varieties, fertilizer application, irrigation, mixed cropping, and adjusting sowing dates were some of adaptation strategies. Seawater rise and intrusion constrained paddy farm production where fish and salt farming contributed to environmental degradation in farming areas. The decrease in crop production resulted mostly from climate variations; hence community should establish short-term and drought-resistant crops.