Evidence and Impacts of Climate Change on Smallholder Paddy Farmers in Pemba Island

Abstract

This study presents evidence of climate change and its impacts on paddy farmers in Pemba Island. The phenomenon of ocean warming and accelerated ice mass loss has led to a significant rise in global sea levels, averaging 4.62 mm per year between 2013 and 2022, reaching an unprecedented peak in 2022. As a result, Pemba Island is experiencing escalating challenges due to rising sea levels, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing temperatures. The primary objective of this study is to examine the evidence of climate change in the study area and assess the specific ways in which paddy farmers are affected by these changes on Pemba Island. Conducted in the Wete District, this research utilizes a cross-sectional design, involving 71 respondents selected through a combination of multistage cluster, purposive, and random sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, and subsequently analyzed using SPSS and content analysis methodologies. The study also used climate data from Tanzania Meteorological Authority (temperature and rainfall data) over the past 31 years (1992-2023). The findings indicate that paddy farmers are grappling with higher temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, intrusion of seawater, and an increase in pest infestations. As a result, their agricultural production is significantly reduced, exacerbating food insecurity and negatively impacting their livelihoods. In light of these findings, it is evident that robust adaptation measures must be implemented to address the challenges faced by paddy farmers. The study recommends the construction of sea walls as a means of mitigating the adverse effects of rising sea levels. Furthermore, developing drought-resistant paddy seeds varieties is proposed as a strategy to improve productivity and enhance resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.