Climate Change and Incidence of poverty among Pastoralists in Tanzania: Experience of Hanang District

This study was conducted in Hanang district, Manyara region to examine the awareness of Barbaig pastoral community on the problem of climate variability and change and its effect on accelerating poverty. The study assessed the level of knowledge and experience that pastoralists have and the effects of climate variability and change to the community. The study used interview, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and observation to collect data from respondents. A total of 100 respondents from two villages (Gisambalang and Dirma) together with 10 key informants were involved in the study.

The results obtained from this study show that the majority of the respondents (76% and 72% from Gisambalang and Dirma respectively) were aware of the presence of changes in rainfall patterns and temperature. They were able to point out the causes, indicators and resulting effects of climate change. The effects associated with changes in climate noticed by pastoralist includes drought, dry of water sources, poor farm harvest and increased level of poverty. From this study it is recommended that, the policy on climate change control should be given due weight in line with special programs to be introduced to empower pastoralist communities to get correct information and modern ways in addressing issues of climate change. The government should motivate pastoralist to engage themselves in modern ways of keeping animals, environmental conservation and land use planning.