Community perceptions on climate change effect and household food security in Karatu District, Tanzania
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mzumbe University
Abstract
This study assessed community perceptions on the effects of climate change and household food security in Karatu District, Tanzania. Climate change is leading to occurrence of events like precipitation and temperature changes, strong winds and occurrence of pests and diseases which have negative effects to crops growth. The study specific objectives were to examine community perception on climate change, to determine the effects of climate change on household food security, to determine the adaptation measures applied towards the effects of climate change to household food security and to examine the mitigation measures applied by household to reduce the impacts of climate change. Data were obtained through interview with key informants from the government, and a questionnaire used to interview households from small scale farmers of Ganako and Rhotia Wards in Karatu District Council. The findings show that community perceived there was changes in precipitation and temperature, occurrence of strong winds and emergency of weeds and insects destroying food crops. Perception of most of the respondents was that climate changes were due to anthropogenic causes and their effects led to the decline of food production and the status of food security to most of the household is low. The adaptation measures applied for climate change effects, were the adaptation of good farming methods that help to raise food production. Mitigation measures applied were raising awareness on environmental protection and conservation to reduce impacts of climate change in order to decrease the effects of climate change to household food security. The anthropogenic climate change effects led to food insecurity, although there were different adaptation and mitigation measures applied to address effects of climate change to food security but the results are not remarkable. Thus, it is important for the government and stakeholders to study community perception on climate change effects, to understand community challenges related to climate effects to household food security, and the findings can be used to improve national policies and viii legislations related to climate change and food security, like climate change strategy in Tanzania.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSc EM) of Mzumbe University
Keywords
food security, Karatu, environment, climate, climate change, food production, Tanzania
Citation
APA