Challenges and opportunities of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder horticultural farmers in rural Tanzania

Adapting to climate change is critical for smallholder farmers, as it directly influences agricultural productivity and livelihood security. While previous studies in sub-Saharan Africa and Tanzania have documented various coping measures, they often overlook the intersection of demographic differences, perceived opportunities, and barriers among smallholder horticultural farmers. This study examined challenges and opportunities of climate change adaptation strategies among such farmers in Mbeya, Tanzania. An exploratory qualitative design was applied, using focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 50 purposively selected farmers to explore their understanding, adaptation practices, and constraints. Findings show that understanding of climate change varied, with farmer organization leaders exhibiting broader, more inclusive knowledge. Key adaptation strategies included adopting climate-resilient crop varieties, improving water management through drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and diversifying income via high-value crops and off-farm activities. Demographic differences shaped approaches: female adults prioritized social and financial measures, such as savings groups, crop insurance, and peer learning; male adults focused on resource-intensive practices like large-scale water harvesting and soil fertility management; youths pursued innovative measures including the use of weather forecasts, access to microloans, and cultivation of fast-maturing crops. However, women faced financial and knowledge gaps; men encountered poor infrastructure and limited markets; and youths struggled with institutional barriers and insufficient climate information. The study recommends inclusive policies that enhance affordable finance, strengthen rural infrastructure, address institutional gaps, remove social and cultural barriers, and improve extension services to deliver timely climate information. These measures can strengthen smallholder resilience and sustain livelihoods amid increasing climate risks.