The article narrates the ongoing efforts in Tanzania to combat the impacts of climate change, particularly focusing on rural communities in the Dodoma region grappling with severe droughts. Initiatives led by the Tanzanian government and the UNEP, including the construction of solar-powered boreholes and tree planting, aim to provide sustainable water access, restore ecosystems, and enhance economic resilience. The community’s adaptation strategies are crucial given the ongoing climate crisis, and this collaborative effort seeks to empower local residents and foster long-term sustainability.
In a poignant reflection of the ongoing climate crisis, cattle farmer Asherly William Hogo from the village of Ng’ambi in Tanzania has experienced a life transformed by drought. In his youth, Hogo recalls the arduous nights spent searching for water across Tanzania’s arid land, a struggle intensified by the severe climate change now afflicting his community. Fortunately, recent infrastructure improvements, including a solar-powered borehole and a large rainwater reservoir, have significantly alleviated this struggle, providing residents with reliable access to water year-round. This initiative is part of a broader project spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and supported by the Global Environment Facility. Since its inception in 2018, the project aims to address the plights of tens of thousands of rural Tanzanians grappling with the deteriorating effects of climate change. The project’s objectives include enhancing water supplies, fostering financial savings among local communities, and imparting training to farmers for adopting more resilient livelihoods, such as beekeeping. The dire situation in Tanzania has been exacerbated by fluctuating weather patterns driven by climate change. The year has brought unprecedented challenges, from devastating droughts leading to widespread crop failures and livestock losses to flooding that has wreaked havoc on infrastructure and water quality. Mirey Atallah, Head of UNEP’s Adaptation and Resilience Branch, highlighted the urgency of action: “This year is the biggest wakeup call we’ve seen in Tanzania in terms of what climate change is doing to rural families. We need fast action on mitigation and adaptation. Otherwise, it won’t only be the climate that is breaking down but also the communities themselves.” Communities in the Dodoma region express grave concern over the emerging realities of climate change. Over the past few years, UNEP, the Tanzanian government, and the Global Environment Facility have been diligently working to fortify community resilience through participatory land use planning, which is vital to prevent what many describe as a climate doom spiral for villages reliant on rain-fed agriculture. Atallah asserts, “We know that the best climate defenses are integrated, holistic and multi-pronged, drawing not only on built infrastructure but also on the power of nature and ecosystems.” The accomplishments of this project are evident. Engineers have successfully drilled fifteen boreholes, twelve of which harness solar energy, along with the construction of earth dams designed to capture approximately three million cubic meters of rainwater. These interventions have significantly improved the lives of more than 35,000 individuals across five districts: Kaskazini, Kishapu, Mpwapwa, Mvomero, and Simanjiro. Moreover, the project goes beyond infrastructural improvements; it encompasses ecological restoration efforts, having planted over 350,000 trees to rehabilitate exhausted forests and stabilize riverbanks. Asnati Meshack, a local resident, remarked, “Planting trees has restored our environment.” In total, the initiative aims to restore 9,000 hectares of degraded land and manage another 38,000 hectares sustainably. Economic resilience is equally important. The project has trained community members in sustainable income-generating practices such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and crafting fuel-efficient stoves, thus diversifying their income sources. By the end of the project in December 2024, approximately 3,800 households are anticipated to experience a rise in their incomes. Atallah emphasized that “by diversifying income sources, the project has provided a safety net against the volatility of climate change.” This sentiment resonated with Tanzania’s Minister of State, Selemani Jafo, who commended the initiative’s role in empowering communities economically. Furthermore, May Samwel Masulu, a resident of the Shinyanga region, celebrated the project’s impact on gender equality by enabling her to become a craftswoman, stating, “I’m so proud to be a craftswoman. Let’s leave behind the traditional attitudes that divide jobs by gender.” As Tanzania continues to face the reality of climate change, efforts like the Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Rural Resilience program serve as vital lifelines for many communities in their pursuit of a sustainable future.
The article sheds light on the direct impacts of climate change on rural communities in Tanzania, focusing on the plight of farmers in regions affected by severe drought and changing weather patterns. It discusses recent initiatives aimed at providing sustainable water solutions, enhancing community resilience, and restoring ecosystems. The context of these efforts is rooted in the increasing severity of climate-related events, such as droughts resulting in crop failures and consequent flooding that devastates infrastructure and water supplies. The collaboration between the Tanzanian government, UNEP, and various stakeholders is examined in relation to forward-looking strategies to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, the article highlights the transformative efforts undertaken in Tanzania to combat the increasing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in drought-stricken communities. Through innovative infrastructure projects, ecological restoration, and economic empowerment initiatives, communities are progressively adapting to the changing climate while fostering resilience. The anticipated outcomes of these projects underscore the importance of holistic approaches in not just addressing environmental issues, but also uplifting the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable populations. As both environmental and community health are prioritized, the necessity for continuous and collaborative action against climate change remains imperative.
Original Source: www.unep.org
