Effectiveness Of Adaptation For Climate Change And Variability On Maize Production In Meatu District

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of adaptation for climate change and variability on maize production in Meatu district. It examined whether climate change and variability manifested itself in the study area, examined climate adaptation measures for maize production in the study area, and examined the challenges incurred by local community and government. Furthermore, the study explored the government policies and mechanisms to improve adaptation measures for maize production. The study used probability and non-probability sampling techniques. With probability sampling, simple random sampling was used to select the households in the study area. Non-probability sampling was for key informants. The Primary data were collected though three data collection instruments. These are; Observations, Questionnaires and Interviews. Secondary data were obtained through literature reviews which were accessed from books and official reports like Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA). The findings from this study indicate that 86.6% of the interviewed households are aware of the climate change. The study observed that there was decrease of rainfall and increase of temperature which resulted into decreasing maize yields. The study revealed that adaptation measures in place include growing crops that are taking short period, changing in cropping calendar, practicing multiple cropping, planting of drought tolerant crops and application of pesticides, using maturing seeds, livelihood diversification, reforestation and improving agriculture methods and tools. The study recommends that the farmers to depart from reliance on rain fed food production and encourage irrigation system and engage in small business so as to compensate low harvesting which is caused by high temperature and low rainfall in the study area.