Opportunities and Challenges Experienced by Smallholder Farmers in Using Climate Smart Agriculture to Adapt to Climate Variability and Change in Kilosa District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assesses opportunities and challenges experienced by smallholder farmersin using climate smart agriculture (CSA) to adapt to climate change and variability inKilosa District, Tanzania. The objective of this study was to establish the opportunitiesand challenges that arise due to the adoption of CSA practises in enhancing cropproduction and adaptive capacity in improving food security among smallholderfarmers. Data were collected from 100 purposively selected crop farmers ' householdsusing a questionnaire, focus group discussions, and observation; as well as conductingtransect walks. Obtained quantitative data were analysed using frequency counts,percentages and inferential statistics, in particular chi-square cross-tabulation todetermine relationships between variables. The analysis of qualitative data involved theidentification, examination and interpretation of patterns and themes that arose fromthe textual data. Findings revealed that the opportunities brought about by climaticsmart agriculture included high demand for minimum water usage technologies, andthe adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties. Shortened rains, conflicts betweenfarmers and livestock keepers, and the lack of CSA knowledge were found to be themajor challenges. The study concluded that CSA practises are of potential benefits inthe adaptation to climate change and/or variability. The study recommends supportingservices such as agricultural subsidies, technologies, trainings in CSA practises andfunding to smallholder farmers to enhance their adaptive capacity and long-termresilience to adverse impacts of climate change and variability.