Abstract:
Most of rural people in Tanzania depend on rain-fed agriculture as the source of their livelihood. The antagonistic effects
of climate change and variability have swindled their activities hence communities have been adapting various
strategies in sustaining their living. The study was conducted in Mpwapwa district in Dodoma region. The objective of
the study was to examine the impacts of climate change and variability on rural livelihoods and the standing locally
based adaptation strategies. A total of 384 sample households were selected from three study villages. Both primary
and secondary data were collected whereas primary data were collected through structured questionnaire, participant
observation and focus group discussions (FGD’s). Secondary data were collected from the relevant written documents
and meteorological stations. A statistical analysis system, statistical package for social science version 20, Chi-square
test, and percentage of normal precipitation index were used for data analysis. Accordingly, the results revealed that
the area experienced climate change and variability (CCV) as the communities mentioned the perceived indicators of
CCV. Such locally based indicators were corroborated with climate data obtained from Tanzania Meteorological
Authority (TMA). Furthermore, the Percentage of Normal Precipitation Index (PNPI) was determined to indicate the
severity of drought in the study area. The study also revealed that various livelihood assets were adversely affected by
CCV. However, in coping with climate stresses and shocks, communities have used different adaptation strategies to
minimize the adversative impacts of climate change and variability. Nevertheless, there is a requisite of developing
viable adaptation strategies for communities’ wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
