Extreme weather events and their impact on urban crop production: A case of Kinondoni District, Tanzania | IJAAR 2021
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Extreme weather events are anticipated to increase the existing challenges and generate a new combination of vulnerabilities, especially in developing countries. The agricultural sector is the most vulnerable due to overreliance on unpredictable rainfall. This study examined the impact of extreme weather events on urban crop production and the adaptation strategies applied by the farmers. Secondary data were collected through a literature survey and primary data were collected using structured interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. A total of 108 crop farmers were interviewed in two wards of Kinondoni District. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze the data and Pearson Chi-square was used to test the statistical significance between variables. The study observed that farmers perceived extreme weather events including floods (39%), extreme temperatures (36%), and drought (25%). These extreme weather events affected negatively crop production leading damaging of crops and low yields (38%), outbreaks of crop pests and disease (38%), drying of water sources (20%), and loss of soil fertility (4%). Crop farmers used various adaptation strategies such as crop diversification (28%), the use of pesticides (23%), changing cropping patterns and planting calendar (16%), irrigation practices (18%), and replanting (10%). The study recommends the adoption of new farming systems such as vertical farming systems for better output with the use of limited water and land resources. Published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research | IJAAR
Authors: Asnath Alberto Malekela, Yanda, Pius
Institution: University of Dar es Salaam
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4292018084