Keywords: Tanzania, climate change, Morogoro, agriculture, rainfall, adaptation, climate policy
Schlagwörter: Tansania, Klimawandel, Morogoro, Landwirtschaft, Regen, Anpassung, Klimapolitik
Weblink:
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/IJCCSM-12-2012-0072
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-12-2012-0072
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to investigate climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies in the communities of Morogoro region of Tanzania. Climate change is a vital issue of global concern. Rain fall data trends collected from different meteorological stations in the region were useful in assessment of climate variability and change trends from the historical perspective. In addition, quantitative interviews, surveys and focussed discussion groups were used to collect data capturing past and present trends in the catchment, and reasons provided by 199 respondents from a total of six villages.
The data were collected with the aid of trained research assistants and trained graduates selected from each of the randomly select villages. Significant differences in rainfall intensities have been recorded by use of feedback results from analysis of variance tests conducted. Major indicators of climate variability and change include: increased dry spells (39.7 per cent), drying of rivers (34.7 per cent), a reduction in water flows (14.6 per cent) and poor economy of the area (11.1 per cent). The scope of the study does not cover certain aspects such as the spatial and temporal changes in daily temperature which could have provided important and additional dimension. This study also did not take into consideration institutional arrangements required to successfully implement national adaptation programmes to climate change. Finally, it is important to remember that peoples’ perceptions determine the social mental picture of climate change. The study suggests the need for leverage on resource use through education and good governance strategies to be employed by resource planners, leaders and policy makers.