Understanding the Vulnerability of Crop Production to Climatic Stresses in the Great Ruaha River sub-Basin of Tanzania

Abstract

This study broadens the understanding of crop production vulnerability to climatic stresses and other stresses compounding the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in rural spaces of Tanzania, using data collected over six months across two years, and compared to oral testimony covering the last 40 years (1970 to 2011). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected covering the full spectrum of stresses and responses, such as climatic and non-climatic (e.g. poverty, education level, household income). The study employed focus group discussions and household questionnaire survey during data collection. The results show that crop yield has declined over the past four decades, because of climatic stresses, such as frequent droughts, prolonged dry spells and occasional extreme rains. Climate related stresses compound the already weak subsistence agriculture, in addition to other stresses, such as youth migration, lack of access to irrigation infrastructure and crop markets. Challenges noted in this study are complex (both climatic and non-climatic), which shows how complex the stresses affecting the lives of farmers are. Addressing them generally without defining the underlying contexts of each stressor makes it even more complicated when trying to enhance the adaptive capacity of the farmers. Thus, a holistic approach by targeting the whole system dealing with the agriculture sector is recommended.