The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security In Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigates the impacts of climate change on agricultural practices and food security among smallholder farmers in the Arusha City Council of Tanzania. The study employed a Pragmatism philosophy as it prioritized practical outcomes and solutions tailored to real-world problems, through a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data from structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from interviews. The study employed a convergent parallel design to investigate the impact of climate change on food security in the Arusha region of Tanzania. The study utilized stratified random sampling techniques to ensure a representative sample of smallholder farmers, households, and key stakeholders in the Arusha region. Stratification was based on agro- ecological zones, socio-economic status, and farming practices, to capture a wide range of perspectives and variations in vulnerability. The study revealed that a significant proportion of farmers have shifted to more resilient crop varieties, altered planting and harvesting schedules, and adopted new irrigation methods to cope with changing climatic conditions. The study further explores farmers' perceptions of the effectiveness of their adaptation strategies, revealing a predominantly positive outlook despite the challenges posed by climate change. While a majority of respondents rated their strategies as moderately to very effective, a minority expressed concerns regarding the limitations of their approaches, particularly in the context of extreme weather events. Qualitative data corroborates findings showcasing farmers' understanding of the interplay between various factors affecting their adaptive measures and the importance of integrating multiple strategies to enhance resilience. With challenges like with limited financial resources and inadequate technical support identified as significant barriers, the study calls for increased funding and resources to empower farmers in adaptation efforts. While training and financial assistance programs are in place, the study reveals gaps in resource availability and access to critical information.