Impact Of Climate Change On The Livelihood Of Small Scale Spices Producers In West District, Zanzibar

ABSTRACT

This study intended to analyse the effect of climate change on spices production and impact on the livelihood of small scale spices producers in West District Unguja, Zanzibar. Data for this study was collected using interviews, observations and Focused Group Discussion from a total of 90 respondents including farmers from West District of Zanzibar and key informants from government institutions.Data were descriptively analysed for figure, means and percentages. Results indicated that climate change has significantly affected spices production such that about 75% of farmers reported a decrease in spices production. Climate change has negatively affected spices production by making farmers not only reduce area for spices production but also has reduced spices yields compared to the past 25 years. Farmers have also changed the types of spices due to the climate change. The decreased production has lead to the increased poverty due to low income where by 64% of spices farmers reported to be affected and in poverty situation. Major recommendations to cope with the effect of climate changes include uses of drought tolerated spices varieties, irrigation, manure and improving spices markets within and outside the country.