Climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder banana farmers in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region Tanzania

Abstract

Climate change poses substantial obstacles to smallholder banana cultivators in the Moshi District of the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Comprehending their adaptation strategies and the determinants affecting these decisions is crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience and food security. This study examines the climate change adaptation strategies employed by smallholder banana farmers in the Moshi District of the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 100 farmers to identify the adaptation strategies adopted, examines the socio-economic factors affecting these decisions, and evaluates the effectiveness of each strategy. Identified key strategies encompass crop diversification, adoption of drought-resistant banana cultivars, and enhanced soil fertility management. The findings indicate that education, farming experience, income level, and access to credit are critical factors influencing the adoption of adaptation strategies. Farmers possessing higher education and more farming experience are more inclined to adopt effective adaptation measures, whereas limited access to credit impedes the adoption of resource-intensive strategies such as irrigation. The study concludes that addressing barriers such as financial constraints, infrastructural limitations, and knowledge gaps is crucial for improving the resilience of smallholder banana farmers. Recommendations encompass enhancing agricultural extension services, offering targeted financial assistance, and investing in water management infrastructure to reinforce climate adaptation initiatives. These conclusions establish a basis for policy interventions designed to sustain banana production and guarantee food security in the face of climate change.