Temporal Rainfall and Temperature Trends, Impacts in Agriculture and Adaptations that Respond to Local Conditions A Case of Mvomero District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed on the existing trends of rainfall and temperature in Mvomero and Makuyu villages in Mvomero District. Furthermore, it assessed the impacts of rainfall and temperature variations on crop production and identify the adaptation strategies that respond to local condition. Both primary and secondary data were used. A sample size of 7% of the total households was sampled for the study. The findings of this study show that the increasing temperature, erratic rainfall and highly varried rainfall reduces crop yields. This state of crop yields has been evidenced from the trends both at national and local level. Moreover, the study has expressed the status of food security in the area. Lastly, the study has recommended potential strategies that responds to specific needs of the local conditions.

Keywords: rainfall variability, wet spells, crop production, food security.