There is compelling evidence that Tanzania is already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change.  Changes in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events pose an increasing threat to the country’s economy. Among other sector economies, the agricultural sector is at the forefront of experiencing climate change’s brutal impact. The sector’s heavy reliance on rainfall and natural resources intensifies its vulnerability and further complicates the country’s efforts to improve sector productivity. Agriculture remains a key driver of rural development employing 61 percent of the population while contributing 29 percent and 24 percent to the country’s GDP and export earnings respectively (URT 2021a, URT 2021b). The agricultural sector’s economic contribution warrants immediate action towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Climate change has been among the top global agendas in 2021, highlighted by the successful conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, and the United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit at the UN General Assembly in New York. Tanzania has been at the forefront in supporting the climate agenda. This is evident in a speech by Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The President emphasized how climate change affects food security, livelihoods, and income across the globe, especially in developing countries. She pointed out the economic burden developing countries like Tanzania have to shoulder as a result of the effects of climate change, stating, “Tanzania government spends 2 to 3 percent of GDP to mitigate and build the resilience of communities, and this is a lot in a country that is still fighting against poverty”.

In line with the Global and National Agenda on Climate Change, the theme of the 8th AAPC intends to further emphasize the importance of this agenda to the Tanzanian economy.