Smallholder Farmers’ Perception toward Use of Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Change Adaptation in Morogoro-Tanzania

Abstract

Rationale of the Study - Indigenous knowledge plays a key role in climate change and weather forecast prediction among smallholder farmers. However, effective and efficient use of indigenous knowledge for climate change adaptation requires a positive perception towards it. This study aimed to assess smallholder farmers' perceptions toward the use of indigenous knowledge for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Morogoro, Tanzania. 

Methodology - The study was conducted in the Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and included 240 randomly selected respondents. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, collecting data from both sources. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse quantitative data to determine frequency percentages and correlations, while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

Findings - The study found that the majority (216, 90.4%) of respondents reported being affected by drought. Similarly, others (216, 90.4%) were affected by animal and crop diseases, and (203, 84.9%) were affected by floods. Additionally, 166 (69%) of respondents acquired indigenous knowledge from fellow farmers, (155, 65.1%) from family members, and (148, 62.2%) from their parents. Moreover, the study found that (145, 60.4%) of respondents perceived indigenous knowledge to be useful in controlling pests. The study found that gender, income, and farming experience have a significant influence on the perception of using indigenous knowledge for climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers (p < 0.05). 

Implications - The study suggests that indigenous knowledge is a community resource acquired from fellow farmers, friends, and family members. This highlights the significance of family and community members in sharing indigenous knowledge for climate change adaptation. The findings also suggest that farmers perceive indigenous knowledge as a valuable resource for climate change adaptation. This indicates farmers’ positive perception and trust towards indigenous knowledge.

Originality - This is an original study conducted in three wards of Kilosa District in Morogoro, Tanzania.