CLIMATE SERVICES: COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN

SUMMARY FOR POLICMAKERS OF THE BASELINE STUDY ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF CLIMATE SERVICES TO THE ADAPTABILITY OF SMALLHOLDER END USER IN FOUR SELECTED DISTRICTS OF TANZANIA

Impact of Climate Change and Awareness

Smallholders' livelihoods in Tanzania are being affected by the climate. Unpredictability of rainy onset and cessa-tion, prolonged drought conditions, coastal erosion from sea level rise, inundation and salt water intrusion in fresh water aquifers, increasing temperatures, storms, and splash flooding were frequently reported as the major climatic challenges affecting respondents' livelihoods (farming, fishing, and livestock keeping) productivity in all project dis-tricts (Bagamoyo, Chalinze, Pangani, and Lushoto). The community's understanding of these challenges (48–60 per-cent) has been improving in conjunction with local coping mechanisms, but it still needs to be raised. Awareness is a critical first step for adaptation activities and the development of climate-resilient communities.

The way to adaptation: Climate Services and Indigenous Knowledge on weather forecasting

Climate Services (CS) improve community climate resilience. Due to a paucity of ICT, access to CS via convention channels is limited (TV & radio). It is suggested that CS be disseminated using SMS-based methods to enhance its accessibility.

The level of understanding of Indigenous knowledge (IK) forecasting varies greatly between districts (33–70%). In-digenous knowledge (IK) about weather forecasting in the local area can provide information about the local cli-mate. Integrating IK predictions into CS can improve its utility (timely, area-specific, and dependable CS). The com-munity's climate resilience can be increased by incorporating IK into CS. Local IK on weather forecasting was discov-ered in the districts examined. Nonetheless, IK is in danger of being disoriented. It is necessary to develop strategies and policies to maintain and conserve IK.