Abstract:
The study aimed at investigating the impacts of climate change on household food security in
Tanzania, with focus on Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing
smallholder farmers' awareness on climate change, its impact on food crop production especially
maize and the coping strategies adopted by rural smallholder farmers in mitigating against climate
change effects. The study used both secondary and primary data. The primary data were on farmers'
awareness on climate change and copping strategies adopted by smallholder farmers to remain food
secure. Primary data were collected from 113 households through interviews and by using
questionnaire while secondary data were collected from both published and unpublished documents.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Inter item Correlation Matrix. Findings revealed
that farmers are quite aware of climate change and adaptation options. Frequent droughts, temperature
change and outbreak in plant and animal diseases were the most perceived consequences of climate
change. Despite the farmers' awareness and adaptation to climate change such as engaging in small
petty business and at times selling household assets including livestock, those activities do not provide
sustainability for buying food items as a result of climate variability. The relevant policy
recommendations from these findings are that, enhanced access to credit and information can
significantly increase farmers' adaptive capability. Government policies should support research and
development on appropriate technologies to help farmers adapt to changes with recurrent climatic
conditions. The study recommends on vital measures as follows: Concerted efforts should be made in
enhancing diversification of agricultural production, investing in rain water harvesting technologies
and improvement of irrigation infrastructures.
