International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 2016, 5(1): 52-65 International Journal of Modern Social Sciences ISSN: 2169-9917 Journal homepage: www.ModernScientificPress.com/Journals/IJMSS.aspx Florida, USA Article Challenges of Adaptation to Climate Change for Cassava Farming in Musoma, Rural District, Tanzania Ahmad Kanyama1 and Josiah John 2,* 1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 395, Dodoma 2 Department of Education, Musoma Municipality, P.O Box, 731, Musoma * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail:
[email protected] Article history: Received 16 January 2016, Received in revised form 25 March 2016, Accepted 2 April 2016, Published 8 April 2016. Abstract: This paper examines the challenges of adaptation to climate change and variability for cassava farming in Musoma, Rural District. Specifically the paper examines (i) the perception of households and key informants on the rainfall and temperature variability in the study area, (ii) the impact of rainfall and temperature variability on cassava production, (iii) coping strategies to improve cassava yields and (iv) challenges faced in adapting to climate change and variability. Data collection methods included literature review, household questionnaire survey, key informants interviews, focus group interviews and participant observations. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and content analysis techniques was used in the analysis and processing of quantitative and qualitative data. The findings showed that there was rainfall and temperature variability in the form of decreasing rainfall trend and increasing temperature trend. This led to decreased cassava yields which affected livelihoods of the farmers. Farmers applied different agricultural adaptation measure to cope with decreased cassava yields, however, results were poor due to several challenges like poor implementation of policies and lack of adequate climate change policies to combat drought.