The article highlights efforts in Tanzania to combat deepening droughts through the installation of solar-powered boreholes and rainwater reservoirs, improving water access for rural communities. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and spearheaded by UNEP, this initiative aims to empower local populations by promoting sustainable land management, alternative livelihoods, and community resilience against climate change. With severe weather patterns increasingly impacting agriculture, these measures are essential for safeguarding the future of rural families.
For decades, cattle farmer Asherly William Hogo has experienced the daunting challenge of securing water for his livestock amidst arid conditions in Tanzania’s central rangelands. Residing in Ng’ambi village within the Dodoma region, Hogo recalls the arduous nights spent journeying for water. However, recent developments have transformed this struggle; a solar-powered borehole and rainwater reservoir have been established in the village, ensuring reliable access to water throughout the year. “Now we do not travel long distances like we used to,” Hogo stated, reflecting on the significant changes brought about by this initiative. This water infrastructure project is part of a larger effort spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President of Tanzania and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), intended to alleviate the hardships faced by thousands of rural Tanzanians grappling with the consequences of climate change, particularly droughts. Since its inception in 2018, this initiative has not only improved water availability but has also promoted savings among communities and equipped farmers with skills for resilient livelihoods, such as beekeeping. The urgency of this project is underscored by the current climatic challenges faced by Tanzania, which has seen severe droughts culminating in catastrophic crop failures and livestock losses. Even more alarmingly, these droughts have been followed by extreme rainfall, leading to devastating floods. UNEP’s Head of Adaptation and Resilience Branch, Mirey Atallah, affirmed, “This year is the biggest wakeup call we have seen in Tanzania in terms of what climate change is doing to rural families. We need fast action on mitigation and adaptation. Otherwise, it will not only be the climate that is breaking down but also the communities themselves.” With the weather patterns increasingly erratic, the collaborative effort over the past seven years has emphasized community-driven land use planning as essential in averting socio-economic collapse in rural villages reliant on rain-fed agriculture. “The best climate defenses are integrated, holistic and multipronged, drawing not only on built infrastructure but also on the power of nature and ecosystems,” emphasized Atallah. In total, the initiative has drilled 15 boreholes, of which 12 are solar-powered, and has constructed earthen dams capable of capturing around 3 million cubic meters of rainwater, benefitting over 35,000 individuals across multiple districts, including Kaskazini, Kishapu, Mpwapwa, Mvomero, and Simanjiro. Local farmer Malegesi Makene Chilongo remarked, “We used to face many challenges growing vegetables. We are very grateful to those who brought this project to us.” The preservation of Tanzania’s indigenous trees and pasturelands plays a crucial role in the water cycle, helping to maintain groundwater levels and acting as natural buffers against flooding. Unfortunately, rural inhabitants are compelled to deplete these resources for firewood, exacerbating the very issues they face. To counter this, the UNEP initiative has planted over 350,000 trees, aiming to restore around 9,000 hectares of deteriorated forests and rangelands while placing over 38,000 hectares under sustainable management. Asnati Meshack, a resident of Simanjiro, claimed, “Planting trees has restored our environment.” In addition to environmental restoration, the project has tackled the economic vulnerabilities of rural communities by promoting income diversification through training in beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and other trades. As a result, it is anticipated that approximately 3,800 households will experience increased incomes by the conclusion of the project in December 2024. Mirey Atallah conveyed, “By diversifying income sources, the project has provided a safety net against the volatility of climate change.” Further, this project has empowered women, as exemplified by May Samwel Masulu from Shinyanga, who has acquired skills in constructing fuel-efficient brick stoves, traditionally dominated by men. “I am so proud to be a craftswoman,” she stated, advocating for gender equity in the workforce. To learn more about this transformative project, dubbed Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Rural Resilience in Tanzania, please contact [email protected].
The article focuses on the pressing challenges posed by climate change in Tanzania, particularly the increasing incidence of droughts and extreme weather events. This situation has had profound implications for rural communities, whose livelihoods primarily depend on rain-fed agriculture and livestock farming. Concerted efforts led by governmental bodies and international agencies, particularly the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aim to address these challenges through sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and community resilience initiatives. Through comprehensive programs focused on water access and alternative income opportunities, these initiatives seek to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and empower local populations to sustain their livelihoods amidst shifting environmental conditions.
In summary, the initiatives undertaken to combat the effects of climate change in Tanzania exemplify the critical intersection of environmental sustainability and community resilience. By providing vital infrastructure for water access and promoting alternative livelihoods, these projects aim to equip rural populations with the tools needed to withstand climatic adversities. The collaborative approach between government entities and international organizations serves as a model for addressing similar challenges worldwide, underscoring the necessity of immediate action to ensure the survival and prosperity of vulnerable communities in the face of climate change.
Original Source: www.unep.org
