Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Climate Change and Variability Impacts on Agricultural Production and Food Security for the Smallholder Farmers in Rungwe, Tanzania

  • Published:
Environmental Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Climate change and variability pose serious challenges among smallholder farmers in developing countries. Low adaptive capacity aggravates the challenges to farming activities and ecosystem management. This study employed survey methods to assess the implications of climate variability and environmental changes in agricultural production and food security. The study used different research methods, including literature review, participatory rural appraisal, household questionnaire, key informant interview and field observation for data collection. The data collected were organised, triangulated, synthesised, processed, analysed using thematic and trend analyses for qualitative data and Microsoft Excel and SPSS 20 software programme manipulation for quantitative data. Severe and frequent climatic extremes that include drought, heavy rainfall, temperature variations, and strong winds are smallholder farmers’ main challenges in production. As a result, the production trends and productivity of the main rainfed crops decreased significantly. The duration of the growing season also decreased, negatively affecting the local food supplies. The statistical results signify a robust negative correlation between climate variability and the production of the leading food crops (X2 = 6.00 with p = 0.199 and X2 = 10.00 with p = 0.350). In addressing the challenges, improving farming practices such as crop diversification and improved extension services were suggested. However, such options would require appropriate environmentally friendly technologies in an enabling environment both locally and nationally.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Agro-ecological zones (AEZs) are land units defined on the basis of combinations of soil, land form and climatic characteristics. https://infonet-biovision.org/EnvironmentalHealth/AEZs-FAO-System.

References

  • ACAPS (2015) Qualitative and quantitative research techniques for humanitarian needs assessment: an introductory brief. http://tinyurl.com/q4vywcv

  • Antle JM (2009) Agriculture and the food system: adaptation to climate change. An initiative of the climate policy program at RFF report. http://tinyurl.com/qbxqu8w

  • Ashley P, Boyd WE (2006) Quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in environmental management. Australas J Environ Manag 13(2):70–78. http://preview.tinyurl.com/hdfvo2v

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Belloumi M (2014) Investigating the impact of climate change on agricultural production in Eastern and Southern African Countries AGRODEP Working Paper 0003. https://www.ctc-n.org/sites/www.ctc-n.org/files/128438.pdf

  • Darnhofer I, Gibbon D, Dedieu B (2012) Farming systems research: an approach to inquiry draft of a chapter for the book. Farming systems into the 21st century: the new dynamic (2012). http://preview.tinyurl.com/zmd8wcs

  • Delzeit R, Sipangule K, Thiele R (2015) Achieving food security in the face of climate change, PEGNet Policy Brief, No. 2/2015, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Poverty Reduction, Equity and Growth Network (PEGNet), Kiel Vol. 47(4) 283–290. https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/123702/1/841308993.pdf

  • FAO (2009a) Food security and agriculture mitigation in developing countries: options for capturing synergies. http://tinyurl.com/yghwr3k

  • FAO (2009b) Global agriculture towards 2050. Rome. http://tinyurl.com/63trq5u

  • FAO (2016) The state of food and agriculture: climate change, agriculture and food security. FAO, Rome

  • Guest E, Costa B, Williamson H, Meyrick J, Halliwell E, Harcourt D (2019) The effectiveness of interventions aiming to promote positive body image in adults: A systematic review. Body Image. 30:10–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gwambene B (2011) Climate change and variability adaptation strategies: implication of adaptation strategies on land resources in Rungwe District, Tanzania. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrucken Deutschland

    Google Scholar 

  • Gwambene B (2012) Land utilisation for agriculture and environment management, soil management in Rungwe, Tanzania. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Saarbrücken Deutschland

  • Gwambene B (2020) Challenges and opportunities for extenuation and alteration in the farming production across the gradient of Rungwe District, Tanzania Discov J 56(291):150–161. http://www.discoveryjournals.org/discovery/current_issue/v56/n291/A2.pdf?#zoom=125

  • Gwimbi P, Mundoga T (2010) Impact of climate change on cotton production under rainfed conditions: case of Gokwe. J Sustain Dev Afr, Clar Univ Pa, Clar, Pa 12(8):1520–5509

    Google Scholar 

  • Halissou Y, Eric AA, Ezéchiel O, Eliézer BI (2021) Extreme temperature trends in the Beninese Niger River Basin (Benin). Am J Clim Change 10:371–385. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajcc.2021.104018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hassan R, Nhemachena C (2008) Determinants of African farmers’ strategies for adapting to climate change: multinomial choice analysis. African J Agric Resour Econ 2(1):83–104. https://tinyurl.com/c644uf4

  • Hoffmann MP, Smith DL (2013) Feeding our great cities: climate change and opportunities for agriculture in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern US. Cornell University and McGill University, Ithaca, NY, US, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, http://preview.tinyurl.com/jp8rn4r

    Google Scholar 

  • IFPRI (2012) Increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing food security in Africa: new challenges and opportunities. Synopsis of an International Conference, IFPRI, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • IPCC (2007) Climate Change 2007—impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/glossary/ar4-wg2.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Israe GD (2013) Determining sample size: Agricultural Education and Communication Department, PEOD6, UF/IFAS Extension. http://preview.tinyurl.com/jqt8838

  • Issahaku A, Campion BB, Edziyie R (2016) Rainfall and temperature changes and variability in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Earth Space Sci 3:284–294. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016EA000161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kandlinkar M, Risbey J (2000) Agricultural impacts of climate change: if adaptation is the answer, what is the question? Climatic Change 45:529–539.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kangalawe RYM, Liwenga ET, Majule AE, Madulu NF (2007) The dynamics of the farming systems, food security and poverty alleviation strategies in semi-arid areas of Sukumaland, Tanzania. Research Report Submitted to REPOA, Dar es Salaam

    Google Scholar 

  • Ketlhoilwe MJ, Kanene KM (2018) Access to energy sources in the face of climate change: challenges faced by women in rural communities. Jàmbá: J Disaster Risk Stud 10(1):1–8. https://doi.org/10.4102/Jamba.v10i1.37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim C (nd) The impact of climate change on the agricultural sector: implications of the agro‐industry for low carbon, green growth strategy and roadmap for the East Asian Region. https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/5.%20The-Impact-of-Climate-Change-on-the-Agricultural-Sector.pdf

  • Kothari CR (2014) Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques (3rd ed.). New Delhi: New Age International (P) Limited

  • Kogo BK, Kumar L, Koech R (2021) Climate change and variability in Kenya: a review of impacts on agriculture and food security. Environ Dev Sustain 23:23–43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00589-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kristensen T, Hermansen JE (2010) Concept for farming systems research. The Lithuanian Dairy Farms demonstration Project. Danish Institute of Agricultural Science 2002:1–15. http://web.agrsci.dk/jbs/bepro/concept%20pdf%20format.pdf

  • Lamboll R, Nelson V, Nathaniels N (2011) Emerging approaches for responding to climate change in African agricultural advisory services: challenges, opportunities and recommendations for an AFAAS climate change response strategy. AFAAS, Kampala, Uganda and FARA, Accra, Ghana. http://tinyurl.com/krxsk29

  • Masipa TS (2017) The impact of climate change on food security in South Africa: current realities and challenges ahead, Jàmbá. J Disaster Risk Stud 9(1):v9i1.411. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba. a411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mbilinyi A, Saibul GO, Kazi V (2013) Impact of climate change to small scale farmers: voices of farmers in village communities in Tanzania. Economic and Social Research Foundation, ESRF Discussion Paper No. 47. http://preview.tinyurl.com/jp8rn4r

  • Mbillinyi BP, Mahoo HF, Tumbo SD, Mpeta E, Rwehumbiza FB, Mutabazi K, Kahimba FC (2016) Impacts of and adaptation to climate change and variability in Tanzania Agricultural Systems: a review. http://preview.tinyurl.com/z93ftzv

  • Meyfroidt P (2017) Trade-offs between environment and livelihoods: bridging the global land use and food security discussions Global Food Security. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2017.08.001

  • Mubaya CP (2010) Farmers strategies towards climate variability and change in Zimbabwe and Zambia, PhD Thesis, University of the Free State

  • NRGF (Natural Resource Governance Framework) (2017) Natural Resource Governance Framework Strategy Update September 2017. ICUN, Global. https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/content/documents/nrgf_strategy_2017_2.pdf

  • Nyunza G, Mwakaje AEG (2012) Analysis of round potato marketing in Tanzania: the case of Rungwe District, Tanzania. Int J Bus Soc Sci 3:86–97. http://www.ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_23_December_2012/9.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Orindi VA, Murray LA (2005) Adaptation to climate change in East Africa: a strategic approach, iied. Gatekeeper Series 117: International Institute for Environment and Development

  • Paavola J (2008) Livelihoods, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in Morogoro, Tanzania. Environ Sci Policy 11(7):642–654. https://doi.org/10.1016/jenvsci200806002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parry M, Rosenzweig C, Livermore M (2005) Climate change, global food supply and risk of hunger. Philos Trans R Soc B: Biol Sci 360(1463):2125–2138. http://preview.tinyurl.com/hgtxlau

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porter JR, Xie L, Challinor AJ, Cochrane K, Howden SM, Iqbal MM, Lobell DB, Travasso MI (2014) Food security and food production systems. In: Field CB, Barros VR, Dokken DJ, Mach KJ, Mastrandrea MD, Bilir TE, Chatterjee M, Ebi KL, Estrada YO, Genova RC, Girma B, Kissel ES, Levy AN, MacCracken S, Mastrandrea PR, White LL (eds) Climate Change 2014: impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Part A: global and sectoral aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/WGIIAR5-Chap7_FINAL.pdf

  • Rosegrant MW, Ewing M, Yohe G, Burton I, Huq S, Valmonte- Santos R (2008) Climate change and agriculture: threats and opportunities. Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH Climate Protection Programme for Developing Countries, Eschborn

    Google Scholar 

  • Thornton P, Dinesh D, Cramer L, Loboguerrero AM, Campbell B (2020) Agriculture in a changing climate: keeping our cool in the face of the hothouse. Outlook Agric. https://doi.org/10.1177/0030727018815332

  • Tilumanywa VT (2013) Land use and livelihood changes in the mount Rungwe ecosystem. Stellenbosch University, Tanzania

    Google Scholar 

  • Tizale CY (2007) The dynamics of soil degradation and incentives for optimal management in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia. PhD thesis, Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria

  • Tumbo M, Nsemwa L, Gwambene B (2008) Stakeholder Consultation Survey Report for Rungwe and Kyela District in Mbeya Region. Strengthening Local Agricultural Innovation Systems in Less Favoured and More Favoured Areas of Tanzania and Malawi to Adapt to the Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Climate Change and Variability. Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

  • URT (2007a) National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). Vice President’s Office, Division of Environment, Dar es Salaam http://www.unitar.org/ccp/napaworkshops.htm

  • URT (2007b) Agricultural and Livestock Policy. Ministry Of Agriculture and Co-Operative Development, Dar es Salaam

    Google Scholar 

  • URT (2010) Rungwe District Investment Profile, 2010. Rungwe Council: Government Printers

  • URT (2020) Mbeya Region Investment Guide. https://rungwedc.go.tz/storage/app/media/uploaded-files/mbeya-investment-guide-2020-2-rungwe-dc.pdf

  • Waha K, van Wijk MT, Fritz S, See L, Thornton PK, Wichern J, Herrero M (2018) Agricultural diversification as an essential strategy for achieving food security in Africa. Glob Change Biol 24:3390–3400. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Bank (2013a) The World Bank Annual Report 2013. Washington, DC. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/16091

  • World Bank (2013b) Opportunities and challenges for climate-smart 977agriculture in Africa. Policy Brief. http://preview.tinyurl.com/978llm4pyx

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Olipa Simon from the Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA) of the University of Dar es Salaam for continuously assisting in spatial data analysis. In addition, the authors wish to extend their sincere thanks to villagers and village leaders from study villages across the agro-ecological zones (Mbeye I, Kikota and Kapulampunguti) for their support during the data collection process and for providing relevant information.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Brown Gwambene, Emma Liwenga & Claude Mung’ong’o

Authors
  1. Brown Gwambene
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Emma Liwenga
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Claude Mung’ong’o
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brown Gwambene.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Gwambene, B., Liwenga, E. & Mung’ong’o, C. Climate Change and Variability Impacts on Agricultural Production and Food Security for the Smallholder Farmers in Rungwe, Tanzania. Environmental Management 71, 3–14 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-022-01628-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-022-01628-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation