Community Readiness for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives: A Case of Yovi Hydropower Project in Kilosa District, Morogoro - Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of engaging rural communities in the process of institutionalizing climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives: focusing on the process of engagement and communication and learning the rational and emotional commitment of people in the community to the issues of renewable energy. The study was conducted for four weeks in three villages surrounding Yovi Mini Hydropower project in Kisanga-Valley ward of Kilosa District. Ninety (90) individuals responded to questionnaires, and ten (10) key stakeholders at village, district and national levels were interviewed. Based on grounded theory, the study utilized qualitative method and techniques to design, collect and analyze the data.  The study findings revealed community members around Yovi hydropower project, were more informed than engaged during the institutionalization of the hydropower project. While the Project proponents were successful with communicating about the project to the villagers through their district and village leaders, there were insufficient platforms and required capacities for these leaders to effectively engage with citizens. Moreover, the information from surveys suggests that the notable setback in climate change mitigation and adaption initiatives is due to failure to engage adequately communities to understand the core purpose of the project in their own terms, and later influence some aspects of it. These study findings raised a critical question on ‘what was the purpose of engaging community people to institutionalize climate change in this hydropower project, if their voices are not actually heard and used to determine the solutions and actions? As a start, the study provides framework to link communication and public engagement in the climate change mitigation and initiatives.