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Although climate variability and change are not new phenomena in semi-arid areas, their trends
may change over time. Using data from Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) during the
interval 2003 -2011, this paper examined inter-annual anomaly (deviation from long term mean)
and seasonal variability of rainfall and temperature in Iramba and Meatu Districts. Results
showed no significant increase (P>0.05) of inter-annual rainfall variability. Nonetheless, a
considerable shift of heavy rains was evident in Iramba District. In both districts there was a
shift of months with the most rain. In addition, considerable rainfall and temperature variability
were depicted by the trends in the; number of hot and cold years; number of dry and wet years as
well as by trends in the number of rainy days in both districts. While temperature showed an
increasing trend throughout April in both districts, rainfall showed a decreasing trend, which can
increase evapo-transpiration and in turn reduces moisture for the crops, exacerbates poor pasture
productivity for livestock, and leads to water scarcity for both crops and animals. Hence,
adjustments in cropping and livestock production systems and institutional support are critical in
order to buffer the impact of climate variability in semi-arid areas. |
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