Local Perceptions of Climate Change and Adaptation Responses from Two Mountain Regions in Tanzania

Kaiza R. Kaganzi, Aida Cuni-Sanchez, Fatuma Mcharazo, Emanuel H. Martin, Robert A. Marchant and Jessica P. R. Thorn
Additional contact information
Kaiza R. Kaganzi: Department of Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology, School for International Training World Learning, Arusha P.O. Box 6007, Tanzania
Aida Cuni-Sanchez: Department of Environment and Geography, York Institute of Tropical Ecosystems, University of York, 290 Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, UK
Fatuma Mcharazo: Tanzania National Parks, Arusha P.O. Box 3134, Tanzania
Emanuel H. Martin: Department of Wildlife Management, College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, Moshi P.O. Box 3031, Tanzania
Robert A. Marchant: Department of Environment and Geography, York Institute of Tropical Ecosystems, University of York, 290 Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, UK
Jessica P. R. Thorn: Department of Environment and Geography, York Institute of Tropical Ecosystems, University of York, 290 Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, UK

Land, 2021, vol. 10, issue 10, 1-22

Abstract: Mountain environments and communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Changes in temperature are greater than at lower elevations, which affect the height of the cloud base and local rainfall patterns. While our knowledge of the biophysical nature of climate change in East Africa has increased in the past few years, research on Indigenous farmers’ perceptions and adaptation responses is still lacking, particularly in mountains regions. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 300 farmers on Mount Kilimanjaro ( n = 150) and the Udzungwa Mountains ( n = 150) in Tanzania across gender and wealth groups. Respondents in both mountains reported not only changes in rainfall and temperature, corresponding with meteorological data, but also a greater incidence of fog, wind, frost, and hailstorms—with impacts on decreased crop yields and increased outbreaks of pests. The most common adaptation strategies used were improved crop varieties and inputs. Wealthier households diversified into horticulture or animal rearing, while poorer households of Hehe ethnicity diversified to labour and selling firewood. Despite being climate change literate and having access to radios, most respondents used Indigenous knowledge to decide on planting dates. Our findings highlight how context and culture are important when designing adaptation options and argue for greater involvement of local stakeholders in adaptation planning using a science-with-society approach. Place-based results offer generalisable insights that have application for other mountains in the Global South.

Keywords: farmer; Chagga; gender; East Africa; local knowledge; Kilimanjaro; Hehe; Udzungwa; wealth groups (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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