Gender and perception on climate change in Bahi and Kondoa Districts, Dodoma Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Perception precedes measures to adapt to climate change effects. However, little is known on how men and women dealing with agriculture in rural Tanzania perceive climate change. The study to analyze perception on climate change by gender was done in Bahi and Kondoa Districts Dodoma Region, Tanzania. Meteorological data were also used. Primary data obtained from 78 key informants, 12 focus groups and a sample of 360 respondents. Analysis involved descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Findings revealed that 82.7% of men and 76.7% of women perceived the change in rainfall; 98.3% of men and 97.2% of women the change in temperature; 97.2% of men and 95.6% of women the change in strong wind; and all men (100%) and 98.9% of women the change in drought; acknowledging that rainfall variation, temperature, strong wind and drought had increased. It is concluded that majority of men and women perceived the changes in climate. The information obtained can be used as a base in formulating appropriate interventions to manage climate change problems in agriculture sector. The study recommends people of Dodoma, Tanzania and the LDCs to use available knowledge systems to develop appropriate interventions to manage climate change problems. Key words: Climate change, perception, men and women, agriculture.