Triangulating Indigenous Place Names and Meteorological Data for a Better Understanding of Climate Change in Same District, Tanzania

Abstract

Aims: The study sought to triangulate climate-related place names and quantitative evidence of climate change from meteorological data from 1960 to 2021 so as to establish the extent of climate change in Same District. Triangulating the two was important in ascertaining the strategies developed to adapt to climate change. Study Design: The study deployed a mixed research design which allows for the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a better understanding of the studied topic. This was important, as the study needed both qualitative and quantitative data. Methodology: Four villages with climate-related names were purposefully selected. In-depth interviews, structured interviews and direct observations were used in collecting primary data from 152 respondents. Meteorological data were collected from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA). Results: Seven place names associated with wet conditions were found in the villages. The climatic conditions that led to the invention of the names have changed such that if the villages were to be named today, their names would reflect the dry condition found in the villages. These findings were supported by meteorological data, which indicated a significant decrease in rainfall (b = -1.1 and R = 0.1) and increase in maximum and minimum temperature (b = 0.02) and R = 0.4 and 0.5, respectively). Besides, the intensity and frequency of drought has been increasing over time such that currently (1991 to 2021) the area experiences intensive drought every three years, but did so every ten years, from 1960 to 1990. Farmers’ adaptation strategies included growing early maturing crops (EMCs), changing planting dates, growing drought-tolerant crops (DTCs), reducing the number of meals, and migration. However, most of the strategies are ineffective due to rapid climate change. Conclusion: Farmers’ adoption of strategies which can be effective in adapting to the current rapid climate change is important in having sustainable livelihoods. The strategies may include beekeeping and the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops.