Climate Change Impact and Adaptive Strategies in the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania

Abstract

This article investigates the evidence of climate change and adaptive strategies in the Rufiji Delta in Tanzania.  It describes local perceptions of climate and its associated changes, examines indicators of climate change, explores the effects of climate change on livelihood activities, and identifies the coping and adaptation strategies by local communities and other parties.  Drawing on results generated from a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques, the study finds that livelihood activities in the area, especially farming and fishing are already affected by climate change exhibited by, among other things, dwindling crop productivity and declining fish catch accompanied by disappearance of certain fish species.  Subsequently, the study notes increasing scarcity of basic household necessities especially food and water, associated with the observed frequent dry spells and altered rainfall patterns.  Moreover, the impact of sea water rise on settlements, underground aquifers and soils is noted.