Enhancing Agricultural Production through Climate Change Adaptation: A Case of Bahi District, Tanzania

This article assesses climate change adaptation strategies' contribution to agricultural production in Chipanga A, Chikola and Kigwe villages, Bahi district, Tanzania. The article used a quantitative method. Primary data collection methods include household interviews and field observations. Secondary data are obtained through a literature review, and meteorological data (rainfall and temperature) are sourced from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency. The research incorporated interviews with 254 households. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS version 20, which used Excel 2010 to create graphs and tables for descriptive data. Inferential data, aimed at assessing relationships between variables, were analysed through chi-square and t-tests. Smallholder farmers employed various adaptation strategies in the study area, including improved seeds (drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops), fertilizers, intercropping, mixed farming, crop diversification, and irrigation. These strategies exhibited statistical significance (p < 0.05). Notably, these adaptation strategies substantially impacted crop production, with 85% of respondents stating that these strategies significantly enhanced crop production (p < 0.001) within the study area. The study recommends the improvement of practical knowledge, improving agriculture extension services, provision of credible information on climate change adaptation strategies and quick assistance when needed by smallholder farmers, provision of capital and credit to farmers, as well as the construction of sound agricultural infrastructure system to enhance smallholder farmers’ capacity of adaptation hence increased of agrarian production.