Accessibility to Fresh Water Resources for Domestic Uses in the Era of Climate Change and Variability in Pangani District, Tanzania

Abstract

Access to clean and safe fresh water remain a challenge to many developing countries. Provision of fresh water both in terms of quantity and quality is a source of, and the condition for, a socio-economic development. Local communities in the coastal areas of Pangani district, Tanzania have already felt and are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability. This paper assesses the effects of climate change and variability on access to fresh water resources for domestic uses. Drawing from a sample of 109 respondents, 11 key informant interviews, three focus group discussions and observations from Bweni, Msaraza and Pangani Mashariki villages in Pangani district the fi ndings revealed that climate change and variability has negative impacts on the quantity and quality of fresh water resources in the area. Among the impact of climate change and variability on fresh water resources include rainfall decrease and variability, prolonged drought, an increase of salinity in Pangani River and natural wells. Th ese impacts have led to scarcity of fresh water in the district resulting into the increase of walking distances to the fresh water sources, increase of water prices, and opting for unsafe sources. To adapt to the impacts of climate change and variability people in Pangani district have opted to rainwater harvesting, construction of boreholes and dams and planting mangroves to reduce salinity intrusion. Participation of different stakeholders (governments, NGOs, communities) in the design and implementation of adaptation strategies to reduce impacts of climate change and variability and improve fresh water sources is recommended.