Confronting the Drought: Tanzanian Communities Adapt to Climate Change Challenges

Tanzanian communities face severe challenges due to climate change, particularly prolonged droughts that impact livelihoods. A project led by the Tanzanian government and UNEP has introduced solar-powered boreholes and rainwater reservoirs, enhancing water access for affected villages. This initiative also includes training in sustainable livelihoods, such as beekeeping, to bolster economic resilience. As environmental conditions continue to worsen, these projects aim to support families in adapting to climate impacts and restoring natural ecosystems.

Across the parched landscapes of Tanzania, local communities are confronting the harrowing impacts of climate change, particularly prolonged droughts that threaten their livelihoods. The remarkable story of Asherly William Hogo, a cattle farmer from Ng’ambi in the Dodoma region, illustrates this struggle. Having spent his youth journeying considerable distances in search of water for his herd, Hogo now benefits from a significant transformation in his community. His village has recently been equipped with a solar-powered borehole and a substantial rainwater reservoir, ensuring that residents have year-round access to water and can avoid the arduous treks of the past. This initiative is part of a broader effort spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) aimed at aiding thousands of rural Tanzanians facing the dire consequences of climate change. Funding from the Global Environment Facility has enabled the construction of new water infrastructure and introduced training programs in sustainable agriculture practices such as beekeeping. This year serves as a stark reminder of climate change’s impact on rural Tanzanian families, marked by a severe drought that resulted in widespread crop failures and livestock losses, which were subsequently followed by extreme rainfall leading to devastating floods. Mirey Atallah, Head of UNEP’s Adaptation and Resilience Branch, emphasized the urgency of adaptive measures, stating that “this year is the biggest wake-up call we have seen in Tanzania in terms of what climate change is doing to rural families.” Over the last seven years, UNEP, the Tanzanian government, and the Global Environment Facility have engaged communities in adapting to increasingly dry conditions and erratic rainfall. Their approach emphasizes community-led land use planning, considered vital to mitigating the dangers of climate change on rain-fed agriculture. Beginning in 2018, the UNEP initiative prioritized water sustainability, drilling 15 boreholes—12 of which are solar-powered—along with constructing earthen dams capable of holding 3 million cubic meters of rainwater. This infrastructure has provided access to water for over 35,000 individuals across multiple districts in Tanzania. Amidst the struggles of securing water, it is essential to address the restoration of ecosystems. The project has planted over 350,000 trees, aiming to rejuvenate degraded forested areas and stabilize riverbanks. However, the success of such ecological restoration hinges on improving local economic conditions. As a result, residents have received training in diverse income-generating activities, ensuring that when extreme weather disrupts traditional farming, families have alternative means of support. High-profile endorsements of the initiative, such as from Tanzania’s Minister of State, Selemani Jafo, highlight its national importance. Jafo praised the project’s ability to empower local populations and bolster economic resilience against climate shocks. Similarly, local resident May Samwel Masulu noted how the project has enabled her to break through traditional gender roles by mastering skills in building fuel-efficient stoves. The project, officially named Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Rural Resilience in Tanzania, illustrates UNEP’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the Paris Agreement and reducing global temperature rise.

As climate change intensifies, Tanzania faces increasing droughts and erratic weather patterns, disrupting traditional agricultural practices that millions depend on for their survival. The country has experienced significant impacts from climate-related phenomena, including severe droughts leading to crop and livestock losses followed by flooding. With these challenges positioned at the forefront, local communities urgently require support to adapt and build resilience against such fluctuations. Initiatives like the one led by UNEP and the Tanzanian government highlight the necessity of adopting integrated approaches to addressing climate vulnerability, particularly through enhanced water access and community-driven development.

In conclusion, the ongoing efforts to adapt Tanzania’s rural communities to the realities of climate change, particularly through improved access to water and innovative livelihood practices, represent a vital response to the crises stemming from environmental shifts. The project led by the Government of Tanzania and UNEP showcases a model that merges ecological restoration with socioeconomic empowerment, ultimately aiming to create a more resilient framework for rural families in the face of mounting climate challenges. As leaders stress the urgent need for adaptation measures, the collective action from communities, governments, and international organizations may pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Original Source: www.unep.org