Ng’hambi ward: Model for climate resilience

Mpwapwa. Ng’hambi ward in Mpwapwa District, like many other locations, has been hit hard by climate change, causing substantial disruptions to livelihoods.

According to the 2022 population census, this ward has 11,926 residents in 3,014 houses and has experienced harsh weather, including repeated droughts and water shortages.

These issues have heavily impacted agriculture and livestock, leaving farmers struggling with low yields and herders dealing with insufficient pasture and water. Such conditions have undermined the economic and social well-being of the residents.

“I used to farm maize, but the crops failed repeatedly due to the scorching sun,” says Mr William Samwel, a farmer from the village. He notes that drought-induced water shortages affected both household needs and livestock.

“This disrupted the entire community’s well-being. Children lacked proper nutrition, which deteriorated their health and overall development,” he added. William explained that a lack of knowledge and resources for alternative farming methods was a significant barrier for Ng’hambi residents in improving their economic situation and ensuring food security in their households.

Faced with such harsh realities, the need for urgent interventions to improve livelihoods in the district became apparent.

Turning challenges into opportunities

The recent global climate change conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighted the importance of mobilising actions against climate change and ensuring inclusive decision-making processes.

Tanzania is among the first African countries to adopt the National Adaptation Plan for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP). This investment blueprint outlines priority adaptation initiatives, financial needs, and strategies to mobilise funding for climate change adaptation actions.

In Ng’hambi, the United Nations Association of Tanzania (UNA Tanzania) implemented a community-based climate resilience project that has transformed the community’s approach to farming and conservation.

Under this initiative, Ng’hambi residents received climate change education to better understand its impacts and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

“We started by providing education to help the community fully grasp the effects of climate change and how to protect themselves against it,” said Mr Ally Mwamzola, the project coordinator.

Farmers were trained on the importance of cultivating drought-resistant crops, such as sorghum, instead of maize.

“Before the project, a farmer could harvest 3–4 bags of maize per acre. Now, they are assured of harvesting 9–10 bags per acre,” he highlighted, demonstrating how farmers have adapted their practices to match the changing climate.

Additionally, the community learnt how to preserve and add value to their harvests. “They also received the right farming tools, including seeds, fertilisers, and storage bags, which have boosted food security,” Mwamzola explained.

According to UNICEF, Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing stunting rates from 42 percent in 2010 to 30 percent. To address child malnutrition caused by poor diets, families in Ng’hambi have established home vegetable gardens, improving nutrition and the health of their children.

“Now, nearly every household has a vegetable garden, and we use minimal water to maintain them. This has improved family health and reduced dependence on large-scale farming as the primary food source,” said Mr Richard Matonya, ward political leader.

The project supported 33 farmers and expanded efforts to strengthen climate resilience, with 71.4 percent of the community now having a deep understanding of climate change and its impacts.

To ensure long-term sustainability, schools also became part of the educational efforts. Ng’hambi Secondary School established a demonstration farm to teach students modern farming techniques while also providing food for the school.

“We use the school farm to feed students and teach them modern farming practices, which they, in turn, share with their parents,” said Mr Juma Yahaya, the school headmaster.