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Climate change has threatened agriculture production, food security and nutrition in many parts of the world. Rising of temperature and increase in drought are projected to decrease agricultural productionhence food insecurity. Indigenous people who depend much on natural resources are most vulnerable tofood insecurity. Hadza community in Tanzania depends on wild food as their main source of food. There is increasing acceptance that, the current climate change may affect the quantity and quality of wild food in Hadza community.
This study was conducted to assess the implications of climate change on wild food availability among hunter-gatherers in Mbulu district. The objective was to assess climate change status, its impact on food availability and to assess the adaptation strategies. In order to achieve the mentioned objectives, household questionnaire survey, site observation, key informants’ interview and documentary methods were used to collect data. Data analysis such as descriptive, thematic and inferential statistics were used.
The findings revealed that there is climate change in the area which is coupled by human encroachment in Hadza land. Furthermore,climate change and human encroachment cause impact on wild food availability in both quantity and quality of the food in the study area. The Hadzacommunity employs various adaptation strategies such as crop cultivation, beekeeping, changing diet, skipping of meal, exchange of foodstuffs, keeping local chicken, petty business and crafting. Despite the adaptation strategies,the community still suffers from food insecurity.
The study recommends that; the government should categorize the Hadza land as protected area to restrict encroachment from neighboring communities and theHadza community should get trainings on food storage and processing techniques, food storage such as berries and other fruits which are available in large amounts during rainy seasons. Beekeeping projects should be emphasized as one of the ways of protecting environment and as a source of food. |
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