Tanzania Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (CVCA) – USAID Heshimu Bahari (Respect the Ocean) Project

This report presents the findings of a Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (CVCA) conducted under the USAID/Tanzania Heshimu Bahari (“Respect the Ocean”) project. The assessment identifies key climate risks, sectoral vulnerabilities, and adaptive capacities across twelve coastal and marine seascapes in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Through a participatory and science-based methodology, the CVCA integrates climate trend analyses, community consultations, vulnerability mapping, and local knowledge to evaluate how climate change affects livelihoods such as fishing, seaweed farming, agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

The CVCA reveals increasing risks from sea surface temperature rise, extreme weather events, sea level rise, droughts, and erratic rainfall. It also documents community-level adaptation strategies, such as mangrove restoration, diversification of livelihoods, adoption of drought-resistant crops, seaweed value addition, and improved fishing gear and early warning systems. Vulnerability matrices were developed for each seascape to inform tailored adaptation responses and investment priorities. The report emphasizes inclusive, locally grounded approaches to building climate resilience in marine and coastal areas.

Prepared by Chemonics International for the USAID Tanzania Heshimu Bahari Project, this report is part of a broader effort to support climate-resilient marine resource management and enhance the ecological and economic sustainability of Tanzania’s coast.