Community-based Adaptation Strategies for enhancing Ecological Resilience to Climate Change among Agro-pastoral Communities in the Lake Victoria basin, Tanzania

Abstract

Climate change presents extraordinary challenges, significantly impacting both human and ecological systems in Tanzania's Lake Victoria Basin (LVB). This study investigates how Community-Based Adaptation Strategies (CBASs) enhance ecosystem resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of CBASs with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). Additionally, focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews were used to broaden the data set, involving 708 participants. The study also included the testing of soil properties, such as pH, organic content, nutrient levels, and fodder quality. Random sampling was utilized to select respondents for questionnaires, while interviewees were purposively chosen. The sample size for this study was 564 participants. Qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis, and quantitative data were processed using SPSS. The study found that CBASs such as reforestation, agroforestry, beekeeping, alternative cooking fuels, climate-smart livestock production, crop diversification, soil conservation, sustainable land management, water use technology, and soil management strategy have significantly improved agro-pastoralist adaptability and bolstered ecological resilience in the study area. The findings indicate that CBASs have the potential to transform and modify local ecology, leading to ecosystem restoration, reforestation, and the preservation of biodiversity hotspots. Collectively, these efforts have enhanced both community and ecosystem adaptation. The study's results contribute to a deeper understanding of practical strategies for increasing climate resilience in agricultural and pastoral contexts and offer valuable insights for local communities, policymakers, development experts, and other stakeholders. It is recommended that expanding effective adaptation techniques in the LVB requires empowering diverse groups and fostering increased synergy among all stakeholders.