1Research Scholar, Faculty of Science Technology and Environmental Studies, The Open University of Tanzania. Kawawa Road, Kinondoni Municipality
2Reader, Faculty of Science Technology and Environmental Studies, The Open University of Tanzania. Kawawa Road, Kinondoni Municipality
3Faculty of Science Technology and Environmental Studies. The Open University of Tanzania. Kawawa Road, Kinondoni Municipality
*Corresponding address: Faculty of Science Technology and Environmental Studies. The Open University of Tanzania. Kawawa Road, Kinondoni Municipality. Postal Address, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, e-mail: wkatunzi@yahoo.com
Online published on 20 May, 2017.
This paper examined rainfall and temperature pattern change over time in Kishapu district of Shinyanga region in Tanzania. Specifically, the study identified changes in rainfall and temperature patterns for the period 1960s-2010s in the study area. Six villages were selected representing three agro-ecological zones: highlands, middle and lower lands. A total of 235 heads of households (10%) were selected for the study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyse quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Microsoft Excel was used for trend analysis. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from key informants and focus group discussions. Findings from rainfall and temperature records analysis showed that rainfall was decreasing while temperature was increasing between 1960 and 2014 by 1.1% and 2.5% respectively. Findings indicated further that 99% of respondents perceived amount of rainfall in the area to have decreased in the past 30 years and 96% were of the opinion that temperature has been increasing.
Rainfall and temperature pattern change, Descriptive statistical analysis, Kishapu District
