The Potentials of Organic Cotton Farming to Smallholder Farmers’ Resilience Enhancement to Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Areas of Tanzania: A case of Meatu District

Abstract

Climate change has become a threat to a wide range of local community’s livelihoods particularly cotton farming system of semi-arid areas experiencing changing in precipitation patterns, pests and diseases, and rising input costs. Therefore, while organic cotton farming is increasingly adopted as pontential adaptation strategy, the extent of its contribution to climate change resilience remains understudied. Thus, this study assessed the role of organic cotton farming for smallholder farmers as an adaptation to climate change in Meatu district specifically aim to examine the trend and patterns of climate change, examining the impacts on smallholder farmers and explore the contribution of organic cotton farming to adaptation. The study employed mixed method approach. Simple random and purposive samplings were used to select respondents for the study. Household survey, in-depth interviews, observation and document review methods were used to collect data. The household survey included 246 heads of households. Data on rainfall and temperature was collected from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA), while linear analysis was used to determine the trends of rainfall and temperature. The study findings highlighted significant trends and patterns of climate change in the Meatu district, including decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures, which pose challenges to agricultural activities and livelihoods while impacting smallholder farmers ranging from reduced crop yields to changes in traditional farming practices, underscoring the urgent need for proactive adaptation strategies. Organic cotton farming emerges as a promising adaptation strategy, with high adoption rates and a range of benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced crop yield, and increased market opportunities. To conclude, climate change is real and has caused severe impacts on cotton smallholder farmers. However, through the adoption of organic farming smallholder farmers have been able to respond significantly to the impact of climate change. Therefore, it is recommended that organic farming be promoted through the provision of organic farming education, providing support for organic farming initiatives, and strengthening market linkages.