Effects of Climate Change on Land Use Patterns among Farmers and Pastoralists in Mvomero District, Tanzania

Climate change continues to reshape land use systems globally, with rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa experiencing disproportionate impacts.This study examined how climate variability influences land use patterns and livelihood strategies among farmers and pastoralists in Mvomero District, Tanzania.Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, data were collected from 391 household heads selected through stratified random sampling and 26 purposively chosen key informants.Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were examined thematically.Findings indicate that prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and flooding have altered agricultural and pastoral practices, leading to shifts in cropping calendars, increased reliance on climate-smart agriculture, groundwater development, tree planting, and long-distance livestock mobility.These environmental stressors have intensified competition over land and water resources, contributing to recurrent farmer-pastoralist conflicts, displacement, and loss of property.The study concludes that climate change is a major driver of land use transformations in Mvomero District and recommends strengthened institutional frameworks, community-based adaptation, and integrated land use planning.