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 freshwater both in terms of quantity and quality is a source of, and the condition for, a socio-economicdevelopment. Local communities in the coastal areas of Pangani district, Tanzania have already felt andare vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability. Th is paper assesses the eff ects of climatechange and variability on access to fresh water resources for domestic uses. Drawing from a sampleof 109 respondents, 11 key informant interviews, three focus group discussions and observations fromBweni, Msaraza and Pangani Mashariki villages in Pangani district the fi ndings revealed that climatechange and variability has negative impacts on the quantity and quality of fresh water resources inthe area. Among the impact of climate change and variability on fresh water resources include rainfalldecrease 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 walkingdistances to the fresh water sources, increase of water prices, and opting for unsafe sources. To adapt to theimpacts 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. Participationof diff erent stakeholders (governments, NGOs, communities) in the design and implementation ofadaptation strategies to reduce impacts of climate change and variability and improve fresh water sourcesis recommended.