Abstract:
Climate change presents significant hurdles to food security, particularly for
smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations in developing nations.
Consequently, responses to climate change and variability play a crucial role in
ensuring their food security. While smallholder farmers in Ismani Division, Iringa
District, have implemented various adaptation strategies, there remains a gap in
understanding their effectiveness amidst changing climatic conditions. This study
aimed to analyze the adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers in
Ismani Division, Iringa District, to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food
security. Specifically, the research sought answers to the following questions: Do
smallholder farmers perceive climate change? How does climate change affect
smallholder farmers? What adaptation strategies do smallholder farmers employ
to address the impacts of climate change? How effective are these strategies in
enhancing food security for smallholder farmers? Ismani Division was
purposefully selected for its semi-arid characteristics, which render it particularly
vulnerable to climate change effects. Employing a cross-sectional research
design, the study utilized a multistage sampling technique to select divisions,
wards, villages, and households. A total of 120 respondents were randomly from
selected wards, villages, and households. Quantitative data were collected
through household surveys, while qualitative data were gathered through key
informant interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data, and content
analysis for qualitative data. The findings underscored the significance of small scale livestock keeping as a key adaptation strategy against the impacts of
climate change, contributing significantly to improving food security among
smallholder farmers in Ismani Division. The study recommends that the
government and other stakeholders provide support to smallholder farmers in
implementing effective adaptation strategies to enhance food security. This
study sheds light on the vital role of adaptation strategies in bolstering food
security for smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. By understanding
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and promoting effective adaptation measures, stakeholders can work towards
ensuring sustainable food security for vulnerable agricultural communities
