Effectiveness of climate change coping strategies on household vulnerability to food insecurity in Lushoto district

Abstract

Tn different parts of the world, farming households have evolved different climate change coping strategies (CCCS) to improve their livelihood. This study focuses on the effectiveness of CCCS that deal with household food insecurity (HFS). A cross sectional survey was performed on a random sample of 150 households in Lushoto District using structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were conducted through which the commonly practised strategies were identified. Community perceptions on the effectiveness of the strategies were assessed using a Likert type scale. Data on HFS were collected using Household Dietary Diversity (1100) and Household food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) which were also used to determine the incidence or rood insecurity. Multiple regression models were used to establish the relationships between HDDI, HFIAS and CCCS. The commonly practised coping strategies were irrigation, the use of short-term crop varieties, sale of family labour, early planting, late planting, crop diversification, involvement in petty business, sale of livestock and poultry, tree planting and land intensification, purchase food on credits, borrowing food from friends or relatives, cultivation in wet areas and sending children to eat at neighbour houses. The study revealed that all the strategies were perceived effective in ensuring HFS with exception of the last two. Results of multiple regressions showed that HFS measured by HFIAS was significant and positively related to land intensification (beta = 0.34, P < 0.05) and early planting (beta = 0.20, P < 0.05). Also, HFS measured by HDD was significant and positively related to crop diversification (beta = 0.39, P < 0.05). Although majority of the strategies were perceived effective in ensuring HFS, only the above three were effective. Therefore, these strategies could be strengthened, advocated and integrated in different local and national developmental interventions to improve community members' resilience towards climate change and vulnerability to food insecurity.