Community perception on impact of climate changes on water resources: a case of rural areas of Temeke district in Dar es salaam

Dissertation

Although various researches have been done on water resources, the extent to which impact on climate changes on water resources in Temeke District was empirically unknown. Therefore, the study was conducted in rural areas of Temeke District with the specific objectives to: (i) find out factors that affect water resources, (ii) examine the community perception on the impacts of climate change on water resources, (iii) determine community’s awareness on climate change and water resources, and (iv) determine the measures taken by communities on the impact of climate change on water resources. Data were collected in November 2007 through focus group discussion, a questionnaire-based survey, key informants interviews, documentary review and participant observation. Questionnaire-based data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Chi-square test was used to show relationship between some variables. The chi-square test results showed that there was a relationship at (p<0.05) between trends of crop production and perception on the impact of climate change on water resources. Index and likert scale were used to show the community perception. Findings of study revealed that 67% of the respondents were aware on the impact of climate change of water resources. Scores on index scale level of awareness of impact of climate change on water resources by sex is the same for male and female respondents; two-thirds of respondents (67%) had aware of it. The major conclusion from the study is that awareness of the respondents on the impact of climate change on water resources was high. Based on conclusion, it is recommended that human socio-economic activities and climate variability should be reduced by training communities to mitigate the impact of climate change on water resources. Government and NGOs should lay down proper policy mechanisms for promoting rural dwellers participation in water resources management in their areas.