The Knowledge of Climate Change among the Paddy Farmers of Kahama District, Shinyanga Region Versus Meteorological Data

Abstract

The study investigated the knowledge of the paddy farmers of Kahama District on climate versus three decades meteorological data in the District. Cross sectional research design was employed on which a randomly selected sample of 312 farm households were interviewed. The study employed a triangulation approach on which primary data were collected through household surveys, field observation and key informants’ interviews. Secondary data on the other hand were obtained from the Tanzania Meteorological Station (TMA) and were subjected to excel sheet on which linear series of rainfall and temperature were reported. The findings from primary and secondary data revealed changes in both rainfall and temperature in around three decades. The knowledge among the farmers on climate change was reported to be acquired in diverse ways including from the meteorological stations, information sharing among the farmers, NGOs and own experience. Farmers perceived a decreased in the onset and cessation of rainfall, increased pests and diseases and increased drought incidences. Secondary data obtained from the meteorological station confirmed the decreased rainfall and rising temperature in 30 years. These challenges negatively impact paddy productivity in the study area. The study recommends on upscaling of information dissemination among the farmers and across the other parties involved in paddy productivity. Further investigation on contextual-level adaptation responses is recommended as well.