The Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Rural Resilience project in Tanzania, initiated by the Tanzanian government and UNEP, addresses the challenges posed by climate change, particularly deepening droughts in rural areas. Through infrastructure development, community-driven planning, and sustainable livelihood training, the project enhances water access and promotes resilience. It aims to transform the lives of rural Tanzanians, providing them with essential resources to adapt and thrive despite the changing climate.
Tanzanian cattle farmer Asherly William Hogo spent much of his life seeking water for his herd, a task that has become increasingly challenging due to climate change. Residing in Ng’ambi village, located in the drought-stricken Dodoma region, Hogo recalls the arduous journeys undertaken at night to find sustenance for his animals. Those nights of travel have diminished, thanks to the introduction of solar-powered boreholes and large rainwater reservoirs supplied to his community. Now, he and his fellow residents have reliable access to water year-round. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed at assisting rural Tanzanians adversely affected by climate change-induced drought. Since its inception in 2018, financed by the Global Environment Facility, the program has enhanced water supplies, provided savings support to communities, and equipped farmers with skills for more sustainable livelihoods, such as beekeeping. The urgency of this project is underscored by the severe drought that struck Tanzania this year, leading to significant crop and livestock losses, followed unexpectedly by extreme rainfall and flooding that devastated infrastructure and contaminated water sources. Mirey Atallah, Head of UNEP’s Adaptation and Resilience Branch, articulated the severity of the situation, stating, “This year is the biggest wakeup call we have seen in Tanzania regarding what climate change is doing to rural families.” In response to these challenges, for the past seven years, UNEP has collaborated with the Tanzanian government and the Global Environment Facility to help communities adapt to increasingly arid conditions and unpredictable rainfall. They have prioritized community-driven land use planning, which is imperative in preventing a potential climate disaster for villages reliant on rain-fed agriculture. “We know that the best climate defenses are integrated, holistic and multipronged, drawing not only on built infrastructure but also on the power of nature and ecosystems,” remarked UNEP’s Atallah. The project’s commencement saw the drilling of 15 boreholes—12 of which are solar-powered—and the construction of earthen dams to capture a combined total of 3 million cubic meters of rainwater, benefiting over 35,000 people across various districts. Concurrently, as rural communities face the repercussions of climate change, the need for sustainable income-generating practices has become crucial. The project trains individuals in diverse skills, including beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and sewing. By the end of the project in December 2024, it is anticipated that 3,800 households will experience an increase in income. Atallah emphasized the importance of this strategy: “By diversifying income sources, the project has provided a safety net against the volatility of climate change.” The endeavor to heal Tanzania’s environment extends to reforestation efforts, with UNEP supporting the planting of more than 350,000 trees to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems and preserve riverbanks—key in the water cycle. Asnati Meshack, a resident of Simanjiro, noted, “Planting trees has restored our environment.” The importance of gender inclusivity is also recognized within the project, as evidenced by May Samwel Masulu’s newfound skills in constructing fuel-efficient stoves, traditionally a male-dominated trade. “I am so proud to be a craftswoman,” she stated, urging society to move beyond gendered job roles. In conclusion, the Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Rural Resilience project in Tanzania serves as a significant intervention to combat the pressing issues of climate change, providing communities with critical resources, knowledge, and skills for a sustainable future. As the project progresses, the hope is that it will not only enhance resilience against climate-related adversities but also foster gender equality and empower local economies.
The article addresses the severe impacts of climate change in Tanzania, specifically the worsening drought conditions faced by rural communities. It highlights initiatives led by the Tanzanian government and UNEP that aim to enhance water access and promote sustainable livelihoods. Through infrastructure improvements and skill development, the efforts seek not only to mitigate immediate challenges but also to build resilience against future climate disturbances.
In summary, the Tanzanian government’s collaboration with UNEP to establish the Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Rural Resilience project exemplifies a proactive approach to combating the adverse effects of climate change. By enhancing water access, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and restoring ecosystems, this initiative serves as a pathway toward increased resilience and empowerment for affected communities, while also addressing issues of gender inequality and environmental restoration.
Original Source: www.unep.org
