Issue
Smallholder farmers in Tanzania are increasingly affected by climate change, facing declining crop yields and growing pest challenges. While policies exist to address climate impacts, farmers require more tailored local planning and resources to build resilience effectively.
How we are helping
This project aims to improve the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change in two districts of Songwe Region by strengthening their capacity to engage with local government to advocate for effective climate change adaptation initiatives.
About the project
Climate change is a growing threat to Tanzania’s smallholder farmers. Rain-fed agriculture, the backbone of rural livelihoods, is highly vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and new pests. Research in 2022, conducted by project partners, Southern Corridor Alliance of Agriculture Producers in Songwe Region, confirmed that more than 80% of farmers in Mbozi district have been affected by climate change through poor yields and an increase in pests and diseases.
While the government has established climate policies, there are opportunities to strengthen local implementation to respond to the needs of smallholder farmers.
This project will equip farmers with advocacy skills and foster collaboration between farmers, local authorities, and civil society to enhance planning and budgeting for climate adaptation at the district level.
This will be achieved by:
- Conducting a policy analysis to identify gaps and facilitating policy dialogues between farmers and district officials.
- Training 250 farmers to improve their capacity to advocate for increased climate funding.
- Training 150 farmers in budget tracking and social accountability monitoring.
- Facilitating annual engagements between farmers and district officials to improve budgeting processes.
- Forming 35 farmer networks to build climate change knowledge and support collective action for climate resilience.
As a result of the project, it is hoped that the needs of smallholder farmers are addressed in climate adaptation plans and associated district-level policies and budgets. The initiative will strengthen farmer networks, focusing on women and youth, enabling them to collectively influence governance and amplify their voices on climate resilience, contributing to long-term sustainability and equitable climate solutions in Songwe Region.
Project Partners
Based in Mbeya, Tanzania, SCAAP enhances agricultural productivity and market access for farmers in the Southern Corridor. They promote sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and financial inclusion. SCAAP empowers smallholders on climate resilience, supports women and youth economic empowerment, and ensures sustainable rural provision of water, sanitation and hygiene. They strengthen farmers’ organisations for improved governance and conduct research on farming technologies and markets. Notably, their food and agriculture projects support youth in Kilwa to find employment. SCAAP is committed to building its capacity to deliver effective results.
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