Building climate resilience in the landscapes of Kigoma region, Tanzania

In the Republic of Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, climate data show more frequent and unpredictable periods of heavy rainfall causing an increase of flood events. Dry spells are also expected to increase in frequency and severity. Coupled with the rise in average temperatures, this puts immense pressure on Kigoma’s already limited surface water resources. Consequently, both the refugee and host communities in the area face significant threats to their livelihoods since they rely on rainfall to deliver ecosystem goods and services. Given the existing humanitarian and environmental challenges in the region, Kigoma lacks the necessary tools and resources to effectively tackle climate challenges.

This project bridges the gap between efforts in development, humanitarian, and climate by adopting an integrated landscape-level approach that addresses the distinct climate adaptation requirements of both host communities and refugees residing in Kigoma. The key components of the project span from creating land use plans, rehabilitating degraded ecosystems to mainstreaming climate change adaptation measures into the region’s developmental plans and policies. Directly benefitting over half a million of the most-vulnerable people, the project will ensure the long-term sustainability of the communities through clear land-use demarcation, increased provision of ecosystem services and land productivity, increased water availability for irrigation during dry periods and improved food security through improved crop production.