This dissertation examines how farmers’ sustainability perceptions, adoption decisions, and resource constraints shape the uptake of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and related livelihood outcomes in semi-arid Tanzania. It addresses four objectives: i) assessing the perceived sustainability of CSA practices; ii) analyzing key drivers of CSA adoption with particular attention to gender differences; iii) examining practice choices and their alignment with agroecological principles; and iv) evaluating the effects of CSA adoption on household food security and farm income. The analysis draws on household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews and applies participatory sustainability assessment alongside econometric and causal estimation methods. Results show that farmers prioritize integrated CSA practices due to improved soil moisture, yield stability, and drought resilience. Adoption is constrained by labour shortages, insecure land tenure, limited access to credit and inputs, and weak extension services. Female-headed households adopt CSA less frequently, reflecting structural and intra-household inequalities rather than lower motivation. Integrated CSA practices are consistent with agroecological principles and are associated with higher incomes, despite trade-offs between ecological orientation and short-term profitability. CSA adoption improves dietary diversity, reduces food insecurity, and increases farm income, particularly among households with higher adoption intensity. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of integrated and gender-responsive CSA to strengthen food security and promote climate-resilient rural livelihoods.
Mahlet Degefu Awoke (Wed,) studied this question.