In recent years, Tanzania has witnessed a number of climate related disasters namely, flooding,
droughts, widespread crop failures, livestock deaths and intensification of climate sensitive diseases among
others. Regular climate discussions in the country have often underestimate crucial problems related to climate
change like chronic energy crisis and influx of people to urban areas arguably because of failing agriculture in
farming areas. This paper has highlighted the fact that the poor, usually with limited resources and who
contribute the least to the causes of climate change are the most affected in many ways. In addition, it gives a
detailed account of the issues of climate change in Tanzania and explains the effects of climate variability using
examples. The effects of climate change in the country are widespread and significantly interfere with
agriculture, while at the same time, reducing the ability of the society to deliver services. Indigenous knowledge
such as survival skills and coping mechanisms adopted by different societies in Tanzania, have been discussed
in the paper. Such coping mechanisms however are overwhelmed by the impacts of climate change on the
people. Different institutions including the government have taken some positive steps towards combating
climate change; however the efforts done so far are insufficient. In addition, addressing climate change in
Tanzania is hindered with inadequate resources, corruption and poor coordination and implementation of
combating measures. Generally current climate variability in the nation is an issue of concern for all future plans
and must be addressed. [Journal of American Science 2010; 6(3):182-196]. (ISSN: 1545-1003).
Keyword
Climate Change Costs