Policy implication for smallholder farmers' adaptation to climate and livelihood change in Pangani river basin

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing policy implications to smallholder farmer's adaptation to climate and livelihood change along Pangani river basin specifically in Korogwe district. The study intended to fill the knowledge gap of the interaction between policy made at local and government level with their associated implications to livelihood of smallholder farmers. Both primary and secondary data were collected, primary data were collected by using structured questionnaire and focus group discussion while secondary data were collected by using policy, laws and regulations documents. Matrimonial logit modal MNL was used to analyze the policy (as adaptive strategy) effects on smallholder farmer's adaptation and livelihood change. The findings show significantly (p=0.05) that, policy and policy instruments affect smallholder farmer‟s adaptation to climate and livelihood change differently. This means that, other policy and policy instruments assist farmers to adapt and improve their livelihood change. This is when the policy as adaptive strategy lead to farmer`s yield size increase and it has good results to the environment example policy instrument from EMA 2004 No 75 use of improved seeds as adaptive strategy enable farmers to increase their yield size and do not have harmful impact on the environment. Other policies do not encourage use of a particular adaptive strategy due to its impacts to the environment and when do not encourage sustainable use of it as adaptive strategy example policy instrument from EMA 2002 No 14 restrict shifting cultivation as adaptive strategy because clearing of trees lead to draught and do not influence sustainable environment management and do not lead to yield size increase. And other policies do not encourage use of particular adaptive strategy while have good impact to smallholder farmers' adaptation and livelihood change like policy of restriction of any human and economic activities within 60 m from water resources. Also this study determined that farmers are facing challenges like low production level, low adaptive capacity and low livelihood level. Study recommended that there should be participation in policy construction to all stakeholders. Also more research on smallholder adaptation, livelihood change and policy interaction, farmers training to increase awareness and farmers exchange programs to have different experiences from different areas.