Perceptions of Tanzanian livestock dependent communities on climate related changes: A case of the Maasai pastoralists in Longido District, northern Tanzania

Abstract

The study was carried out in Longido District, northern Tanzania to understand the Maasai pastoralists‘ perceptions and interpretations of changes in climate and variability and determine their livelihood coping strategies with climate variability and change following a devastating drought in 2009/2010. Primary and secondary data were collected using household questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The perception of climate change and variability was supported with a time-series analysis of rainfall and temperature data. The results show that the Maasai pastoralists are aware of the current variations and changes in climate, which they admit to have become increasingly difficult to predict using their traditional knowledge. Furthermore, the study identified indicators of climate change and variability and the associated adversities as perceived by the Maasai pastoralists in the study area. The statistical analysis of 30 years of climatic data produced results that are in agreement with the Maasai pastoralists’ perception of climate change and variability. It is imperative to understand people’s perceptions and their responses to climate-related impacts in the future. Since some of the pastoralists’ ways to cope with climate-related adversities are failing, new means or techniques have certainly emerged. It is recommended that the present techniques in designing alternative adaptive strategies for pastoralism should be examined and up-scaled, which is the most productive form of land use for a patchy and scattered range of land resources.