How do pastoralists in Northern Tanzania perceive the influence of climate change on their herds? A recently published study with the title "Climate change perception and impacts on cattle production in pastoral communities of Northern Tanzania" addressed this issue.

The respondents bemoaned more erratic and reduced amounts of rainfall, rise in temperature and prolonged and frequent periods of drought. Pastoralists mainly view population pressure and tree cutting as the major causes of climate change. There are no existing climate risk programmes and early warning systems across the district.

The negative effects on the herds are numerous:

• shortage of forage and water due to severe recurrent drought periods
• cattle starvation and malnutrition
• massive cattle deaths and outbreaks of diseases
• decline in milk production

You will find the article in full length here.