Assessing the Impacts of Cimate Change on Food Security in Dodoma

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of climate change on food security in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. The study used Pragmatism as a research philosophy because it prioritized practical outcomes and solutions tailored to real-world problems. A descriptive research design was employed, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of food security in the study area. The target population included citizens and employees of Dodoma City Council, with a sample size of 204 respondents determined using Yamane's formula. Data collection involved surveys and interviews, complemented by document reviews for secondary data. The correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between climate variability (r = 0.67, p < 0.01), access to agricultural inputs (r = 0.59, p < 0.01), governance policies (r = 0.65, p < 0.01), and food security. The regression analysis indicated that climate variability and governance policies were the most significant predictors of food security, with β values of 0.45 (p < 0.001) and 0.43 (p < 0.001) respectively. These findings underscore the critical role of effective governance and climate resilience in ensuring food security. The regression model explained 62% of the variance in food security (R² = 0.62). This study makes several contributions to the understanding and enhancement of food security. It identifies key factors influencing food security, provides empirical evidence for targeted interventions, and offers practical recommendations to improve food security outcomes. By engaging local communities and stakeholders, the study ensures that the proposed interventions are contextually relevant and sustainable. The recommendations include promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, enhancing access to agricultural inputs, improving policy coherence, and empowering communities through participatory decision-making processes. Further research areas suggested include longitudinal studies to track changes in food security and the impact of climate change adaptation strategies.