An assessment of the vulnerability and response of coastal communities to climate change impact in Lindi region, Southern Tanzania

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.