The Impact of Climate Change on Rural Livelihoods in the North Nguu Mountains in Kilindi District, Tanzania

This study was set to investigate the impact of climate change on rural livelihoods in the North Nguu Mountains in Kilindi District, Tanzania. Objectives of the study were to assess people’s perceptions on the relationship between climate change and livelihoods; to analyze the influence of climate change on people’s daily living and to examine potential of the forest for adapting to climate change. The conceptual model for this study was modified from the comprehensive conceptual model for disaster management by Kelly, (1998) with ideas on climate change, the forest and livelihoods from Burges, (2000); Groot et al., (2002) and Heal et al., (2004). Data was collected through interview, focus group discussions, observations and documentary review. A simple descriptive statistical approach using content analysis were applied for data analysis. The impact of climate change on livelihoods in The North Nguu Mountains was revealed to include pressure on the forest (47.8%); unsustainable production and productivity of the forest (29.8%); unsustainable livelihood systems and options for adaptation (14.6%) and income poverty (7.8%). The rich mountain-top natural forests base was a potential livelihood asset (93.2%). Food insecurity and income poverty contributes to unsustainable livelihoods (94.7%). The study recommends diversification of livelihoods parallel to sustaining the economic, ecological and social structures for rural livelihoods. The conceptual framework for this study succeeded in generating information on intensification of the detrimental effects of climate change resulting to deterioration of the forest (as the main livelihood asset) hence poor resilience and mitigation portfolios leading to unsustainable livelihoods as set out in the main focus of the study