Influence of relative user satisfaction on sustainability of climate change adaptation practices: insights from Chamwino and Igunga agro-ecological zones, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of Relative User Satisfaction (RUS) on the sustainability of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) practices in egro-ecological zones of Tanzania. Supported by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study focus on determining the influence of self-efficacy, subjective norms, usage experience, perceived risks, output quality, results demonstrability, perceived image, compatibility, usability and relevance, on sustainability of CCA practices. The study employed a cross sectional research design , involving 295 respondents who are households heads adopted CCA practices in Chamwino and Igunga districts, with data collected through household questionnaires, Focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). Statistical analyses, including Descriptive statistics, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Multivariate Ordered Probit model (MOVP) were performed. Results from the descriptive analysis indicated high preference of practices including Trees Planting and use of Farmyard manure after funding, reasons being their simplicity, immediate benefits and alignment with local knowledge. The findings from inferential analysis revealed that self-efficacy, perceived image, subjective norms, usability and usage experience were positively and statistically influencing the sustainability of CCA practices after funding period. Results from Multivariate Ordered Probit revealed Self-efficacy to have significant influence on soil water conservation practices (β = 1.07, p < 0.001), Trees planting (β = 1.02, p < 0.001) and the use of farmyard manure (β = 0.99, p < 0.001). Perceived image was also found statistical significant in influencing practices, with statistical significance p-value of 0.001. Subjective norms was found crucial in influencing Ox-drain tillage practices (β = 0.99, p < 0.001), while usage experience and usability showed moderate effects with statistical significance p-value of 0.01 and 0.05 respectively. The study finds that Self-efficacy, Perceived image, Subjective norms and Usage experience serves as essential RUS factors in influencing the sustainability of CCA practices after funding period. The study concludes that, ensuring sustainability of the practices require enhancing community participation, simplicity of the practices and consideration of socio-economic factors. The study proposes establishment of targeted training, role models system, incentive systems, monitoring frameworks and user-friendly guidelines to enhance self-efficacy, social influence, and Usability for long-term implementation.