This article examines the perceived effect of climate change on cereal crop production and the responses of various stakeholders aimed at enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas of central Tanzania. A total of 366 household heads, 28 participants in focus group discussions (FGDs), and 8 key informants from Bahi and Kongwa districts in Dodoma, Tanzania, were involved in this study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a structured interview schedule, FGDs, in-depth interviews, and documentary reviews. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers in the study area have noted declining crop yields for maize, bulrush millet, and sorghum; a decline that is associated with the changing climate. In response to these effects, the farmers have employed various adaptive measures, including the use of improved seeds, changes in planting dates, intercropping, adjustments in farm size, out-migration, and changes in land-use practices. However, they have faced various challenges in implementing these measures, specifically low income levels, high prices of agricultural inputs, and limited soft loans. In response, government institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations have provided support to strengthen their adaptive capacity through supplying agricultural inputs, awareness creation on viable adaptive strategies, and providing support on livelihood options through non-farm activities. The study recommends the need to strengthen this support in this and other similar areas so as to increase smallholder farmers’ resilience to withstand the adverse effects of climate change.
Helena E. Myeya (Fri,) studied this question.