Implications of climate change and variability on rural livelihoods in drought prone areas of central Tanzania

Most of rural people in Tanzania depend on rain-fed agriculture as the source of their livelihood. The antagonistic effects of climate change and variability have swindled their activities hence communities have been adapting various strategies in sustaining their living. The study was conducted in Mpwapwa district in Dodoma region. The objective of the study was to examine the impacts of climate change and variability on rural livelihoods and the standing locally based adaptation strategies. A total of 384 sample households were selected from three study villages. Both primary and secondary data were collected whereas primary data were collected through structured questionnaire, participant observation and focus group discussions (FGD’s). Secondary data were collected from the relevant written documents and meteorological stations. A statistical analysis system, statistical package for social science version 20, Chi-square test, and percentage of normal precipitation index were used for data analysis. Accordingly, the results revealed that the area experienced climate change and variability (CCV) as the communities mentioned the perceived indicators of CCV. Such locally based indicators were corroborated with climate data obtained from Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA). Furthermore, the Percentage of Normal Precipitation Index (PNPI) was determined to indicate the severity of drought in the study area. The study also revealed that various livelihood assets were adversely affected by CCV. However, in coping with climate stresses and shocks, communities have used different adaptation strategies to minimize the adversative impacts of climate change and variability. Nevertheless, there is a requisite of developing viable adaptation strategies for communities’ wellbeing and environmental sustainability.