Tanzanian communities are seeking solutions to deepening drought exacerbated by climate change. Initiatives led by the Office of the Vice President and UNEP have introduced solar-powered boreholes and rainwater reservoirs, improving water accessibility, while also supporting sustainable livelihoods through community training. The project aims to bolster resilience against climatic variances, benefiting thousands of households. Endorsing a multifaceted approach, stakeholders emphasize the integration of ecological practices into community resilience strategies.
In Tanzania, the struggle against climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly for rural communities grappling with a worsening drought. Asherly William Hogo, a cattle farmer from the village of Ng’ambi, recalls the arduous journeys taken in search of water for his herd. However, with the installation of a solar-powered borehole and a large rainwater reservoir, his community can now access water year-round, significantly reducing the distances previously traveled. This initiative, part of a broader effort by the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to alleviate the impacts of climate change and support rural Tanzanians facing severe droughts. Since the initiative began in 2018, it has improved water supplies, encouraged savings among communities, and trained farmers in sustainable practices such as beekeeping. “This year is the biggest wake-up call we have seen in Tanzania in terms of what climate change is doing to rural families,” stated Mirey Atallah, the head of UNEP’s Adaptation and Resilience Branch. The project is particularly crucial given that Tanzania is experiencing drastic changes in weather patterns, with significant drought conditions leading to crop failures and livestock losses. The previous drought was followed by extreme rainfall, causing flooding that resulted in fatalities, infrastructure damage, and water contamination. The ongoing project employs community-driven land use planning, which is essential for helping these communities adapt to changing climate conditions. UNEP’s Atallah emphasized that the most effective climate defenses are integrated approaches combining infrastructure with ecological strategies. As part of the project, engineers have drilled numerous boreholes, constructed earthen dams, and planted over 350,000 trees to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems. The efforts aim to protect the precious water cycle while providing villagers with alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and sewing. Expecting to improve the incomes of approximately 3,800 households by the project’s conclusion in December 2024, experts note that diversifying income sources is critical to creating resilience against climate variability. Tanzania’s Minister of State, Selemani Jafo, praised the project for empowering local communities and fostering economic growth. Additionally, individuals like May Samwel Masulu, who gained skills in building fuel-efficient brick stoves, have experienced a shift in gender roles, contributing to a reduction in gender inequality within their communities. To learn more about the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Rural Resilience in Tanzania, interested parties can contact UNEP at [email protected]. UNEP remains committed to supporting global efforts outlined in the Paris Agreement to curb climate change and reduce emissions across various sectors.
Tanzania, located in East Africa, is experiencing profound challenges due to climate change, which has significantly altered traditional weather patterns. The recurring extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts followed by intense rains, are severely affecting rural communities predominantly reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods. These transformations necessitate immediate and sustainable adaptations to secure food and water supplies for the population, while also addressing broader issues such as deforestation and gender inequality.
In conclusion, the efforts to combat climate change in Tanzania highlight the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by drought and erratic weather patterns. Through sustainable water management, community-driven initiatives, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods, these projects are vital in fostering resilience among vulnerable populations. The collaborative actions undertaken by UNEP, the Tanzanian government, and local communities exemplify a proactive approach to safeguarding both the environment and the well-being of the affected rural families.
Original Source: www.unep.org
