Climate variability, Impacts and Adaption Strategies: The Case of Mbeya and Makete Districts in the Great Ruaha River Catchment of Tanzania
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Date
2014
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Scientific Research
Abstract
This paper presented key findings from the study which aimed to assess the impacts of climate variability and
local adaptation strategies in selected villages of Mbeya and Makete Districts located in the most upper Great
Ruaha River catchment in Southern Tanzania. Together, the study districts cover a wide range of climate change
related hazards. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used for data collection and analysis. The study
shows that, there is significant change in pattern and amount of rainfall contributing to water stress, making
people more vulnerable. Local communities are adapting to spatial and temporal climate variability, with varying
degrees of success. Traditional smallholder irrigated systems used as adaptation strategies for crop production
are characterized by low water use efficiency and high water losses. This implies that, if irrigation is managed
properly, it can lead to sustainable increases in small farmer’s productivity and income, thus alleviating
rural poverty and enhancing environmental management objectives.
Description
Keywords
Climate variability, Peoples’ Perception, Water resources, Great Ruaha catchment
Citation
Mwakalila, S., 2014. Climate Variability, Impacts and Adaptation Strategies: The Case of Mbeya and Makete Districts in Great Ruaha Catchment in Tanzania. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 6(1), p.43. Vancouver