ABSTRACT
A central question in the adaptation–development nexus is if and how agricultural investments that are undertaken as part of general development efforts can enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers and rural communities in the context of climate change. There is growing recognition that agricultural investments that include smallholder farmers as part of a core business strategy may provide broad social and economic benefits (World Bank 2013; Vermeulen and Cotula 2010). However, little is known about how particular agricultural investment models affect the adaptive capacities of rural households and communities. Tanzania provides an illustrative case of some of the challenges that must be addressed if agricultural investments targeting smallholder farmers are to support climate adaptation. Tanzania’s National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) and National Climate Change Strategy identify agriculture as the sector of the economy that is most vulnerable to climate change, with agriculture and food security being priority arenas for adaptation efforts (URT 2012b; URT 2007). At the same time, Tanzania is seeking to modernize and transform its agricultural sector through major initiatives that aim to attract greater private sector investment in the country’s agricultural sector.
