An Analysis of the Impacts of Climate Variability on Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihood Assets in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Climate variability is emerging as a significant challenge that affects local livelihood in developing countries. This paper seeks to analyse the multifaceted ways that climate variability affects smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Kilimanjaro region, across villages located in three agro-ecological zones. It analyses the impact of climate variability on livelihood assets and its implications on farmers’ ability to make a living. Data for this paper were collected through a rigorous process of homogenous focus group discussions, household surveys, and key informants’ interviews. These methods were carefully chosen to ensure validity and reliability of data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically while quantitative data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results indicate that the impact of climate variability on financial assets involve decrease in income and increase in farming costs. It also affects natural capital by diminishing the supply of surface water and thus limiting irrigation practices. The study also suggests that climate variability affects social capital by decreasing household and community support, primarily through poor harvests. The results further establish that climate variability through increase in temperature affects human health and reduces labour force due to the prevalence of malaria and climate-induced migration. More effective adaptation measures are recommended to increase farmers’ capacity to adapt to existing climate variability, and help them protect and improve their livelihood assets.