In response to the growing impacts of climate change, residents of Kigamboni District Council, Dar es Salaam, have introduced nine income-generating activities aimed at increasing their income, conserving marine life, and mitigating climate change effects.

Omary Kombe, Vice Chairman of the Beach Management Units (BMU), highlighted these efforts during the recent launch of the ‘Advancing Knowledge for Long-term Benefits and Climate Adaptation through Holistic Climate Services and Nature-Based Solutions (ALBATROSS)’ project, which is funded by the European Union (EU).

Kombe outlined the various activities introduced in Mjimwema Ward, which include crab mud fattening, sea cucumber farming, seaweed farming, beekeeping, mangrove nurseries, mangrove tourism, and tourism activities like diving and snorkeling at Sinda Island Marine Reserve.

Currently, 20 people are engaged in crab mud fattening, 50 in sea cucumber farming, 100 in seaweed farming, 24 in beekeeping, 30 in mangrove nursery planting, and 20 in mangrove tourism. In addition, women involved in seaweed farming have received training on modern farming techniques to produce high-quality seaweed that meets market standards, with the support of a Chinese expert.

“These nature-based solutions are vital in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on both ecosystems and communities,” said Kombe.

Despite climate change being a global problem that affects all sectors, including marine life, agriculture, and livestock, many Kigamboni residents remain unaware of its impact. Education on climate change often fails to reach the grassroots level, leaving many people uninformed about the dangers.

Furthermore, some government officials have been accused of issuing land for construction in prohibited mangrove forest areas, exacerbating environmental degradation. Kombe called on the government to take legal action against such officials, noting that the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has already demolished illegal structures in other areas.

“We urge the Ministry of Works and the Environmental Division to visit Kigamboni Municipal Council to raise awareness about environmental conservation. People need to understand which areas are prohibited for construction and be educated on climate change and its impacts on people, biodiversity, and the environment,” Kombe emphasized.

BMU members have received training on environmental and marine resource management to prevent illegal activities in the sea and conserve mangrove trees and other species. Their efforts have led to successful patrols along the coast, resulting in the seizure of smuggled goods worth TZS 100 million, including phones and textiles (vitenge).

Dr. Siima Bakengesa, an environment and climate change officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized the need to leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in addressing climate change. She suggested developing an application that provides information on climate change and educates the public.

She also urged policy developers to engage with ALBATROSS research to help create new policies or guidelines that can reduce the risks associated with climate change and facilitate long-term adaptation and mitigation in both Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar.

"The application would particularly benefit the youth, who could learn about climate change through smartphones and social media," Dr. Bakengesa added.

Omary Ngurangwa, Chairman of the Kigamboni Municipal Council's Urban Planning Committee, advocated for integrating climate change education into the school curriculum, from kindergarten to university levels.

“The education should highlight how conditions have changed over time. We could create a documentary to show students how today’s climate challenges differ from those of the 1960s,” Ngurangwa suggested.

Ernest Kamata, Fisheries Officer at Kigamboni Municipal Council (KMC), noted that climate change also affects fishermen. He stressed the importance of developing mitigation strategies that address the specific challenges faced by fishermen, including providing modern fishing vessels to help them adapt to the changing climate and access deeper waters for fishing.

Dainess Mulokozi, Conservation Manager at the Jane Goodall Institute, emphasized the importance of rainwater harvesting as a strategy to cope with water shortages during dry seasons. She called for technology that facilitates water security.

Additionally, Mulokozi highlighted the need for a youth council to amplify the voices of young people on climate action and enable them to share their ideas on tackling climate change in their communities.

“Youth engagement is crucial as climate change continues to affect us. Let’s empower them to form this council,” she urged.