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This study was conducted in three Shehias within Micheweni district, Pemba to assess the
extent of climate change impacts and crop yields. Specifically, the study aimed to identify
and assess climate change impacts to small scale farmers, assess the link between
precipitation, temperature, sea level rise, crop/fish production, identify and assess climate
change adaptation strategies by small-scale farmers in the District. Primary data were
obtained through focus group discussions, key informants and households. Household
questionnaires and checklists were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data to
obtain information from respondents. In each Shehia, a sample of 30 households was
randomly selected from the register for household interviews. Climate data were obtained
from Pemba Meteorological Headquater at Chake Chake Airport and the Matangatuani
station. Secondary data were extracted from literature review. Data analysis was done
using excel (to get descriptive statistics), Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS),
correlation analysis and content analysis methods. The trend of climate measured for the
last 30 years showed decreasing precipitation and increased temperatures. The highest
annual average rainfall was 196.2 mm (1986) and the lowest 72.5 mm (2001) measured at
the Matangatuani Meteorological station. Crop failure, low crop production, soil
infertility, crop pests / diseases and sea water intrusion were major climate change
impacts. Results indicated annual decrease of crop production in the past 10 years, with
pests and diseases, uneven distributed low rainfall and extended drought periods. Crop
rotation, use of improved seeds and new crop varieties, fertilizer application, irrigation,
mixed cropping and adjusting sowing dates were some of adaptation strategies. Sea water
rise and intrusion constrained paddy farms production where fish and salt farming
contributed to environmental degradation in farming areas. The decrease of crop
production resulted mostly from climate variations; hence community should establish
short term and drought resistant crops. |
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