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An Assessment of the Vulnerability and Response of Coastal Communities to Climate Change Impact in Lindi Region, Southern Tanzania

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Climate Change and Coastal Resources in Tanzania

Part of the book series: Springer Climate ((SPCL))

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Abstract

The main objective of this research was to provide an understanding of how the coastal communities are changing in their vulnerability to climate change and how the livelihood systems are adapting to the change and the implications on coastal resource use, governance and management. Specifically, the study sought to assess the current trends in climate change and variability and their impacts on the livelihoods of the coastal communities; examine the vulnerability of the coastal communities to climate change and other stressors; investigate how local communities are coping with multiple stresses caused by climate change and variability; and examine the implications of the community responses to coastal resource use, governance and management. The study was conducted in eight villages in Lindi Rural and Kilwa Districts, Lindi Region. The “household” was used as a sampling unit. A total of 223 households (7.7% of the total households 2892) were randomly selected as the study sample. Household surveys, key informant interviews and FGDs were conducted to get information on the perception of the local community on climate change and its impacts on individual and community livelihood systems. Findings show that climate change and variability is a reality in the two districts. The data point to increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall trends. Climate variations that have been taking place have inflicted heavy losses in agriculture, which is the main livelihood source for the majority of the population in the study villages. The high poverty levels in the two districts have worsened the situation, with individual households and communities becoming more vulnerable to climate change impacts. A majority of the poor and intermediate households have been experiencing food shortages for almost half of the year, and sometimes deaths have been reported, as was the case during the severe drought of 1997.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Three deaths were reported to have occurred in Mvuleni B in 1997 due to severe drought.

  2. 2.

    In cases of stable and fair markets, increased production of simsim has, however, been associated with improved life.

  3. 3.

    The crop is emerging as a major cash crop almost replacing cashew nuts in the two districts.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Salome B. Misana & Verdiana T. Tilumanywa

Authors
  1. Salome B. Misana
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  2. Verdiana T. Tilumanywa
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Climate Change Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Pius Zebhe Yanda

  2. Department for International Environment and Development Studies, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway

    Ian Bryceson

  3. State University of Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania

    Haji Mwevura

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

    Claude Gasper Mung'ong'o

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Misana, S.B., Tilumanywa, V.T. (2019). An Assessment of the Vulnerability and Response of Coastal Communities to Climate Change Impact in Lindi Region, Southern Tanzania. In: Yanda, P., Bryceson, I., Mwevura, H., Mung'ong'o, C. (eds) Climate Change and Coastal Resources in Tanzania. Springer Climate. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04897-6_7

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