KISHADE (Kisiki Hai Sustainable Heat Adaptation Development)
partners
Overview
Can Trees in Croplands Alleviate Heat Stress in Rural Tanzania?
key facts
The Health-Climate Link
Outdoor agricultural workers in Tanzania, who make up 70% of the workforce, face significant health risks from extreme heat exposure, including dehydration, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular strain. These risks are exacerbated by the lack of shade and cooling measures in agricultural landscapes, making heat stress a pressing public health and economic challenge.
The Project Advantage
This study is the most comprehensive effort to date to evaluate the role of trees in croplands in reducing heat stress for agricultural workers. The project will build on the LEAD Foundation’s restoration efforts, which have already supported local farmers in regenerating nine million native trees. By studying how trees affect microclimates, the project aims to provide critical evidence for the health and productivity benefits of agroforestry in rural Tanzania.
Key Interventions Include:
- Assessing how tree cover alters microclimates in croplands, including temperature and soil moisture.
- Investigating the protective health effects of tree-shaded areas for agricultural workers.
- Collaborating with local farmers to co-develop adaptation practices and disseminate findings through education and training programs.
Aims and Objectives
The project aims to mitigate heat stress among rural agricultural workers in Tanzania by evaluating the human health and environmental benefits of trees in croplands.
Objectives of this study:
- Understand heat risks and local adaptation practices among agricultural workers.
- Evaluate the impact of tree cover on reducing microclimate heat exposure and its potential to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
- Investigate the role of agroforestry in improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
- Collaborate with local farmers and stakeholders to co-develop training packages and promote sustainable land-use practices.
Study design and method
Study Design
Overview
This study aims to evaluate how integrating trees into croplands can reduce heat exposure for agricultural workers in rural Tanzania. It builds on existing efforts to regenerate native trees, focusing on assessing the health, environmental, and economic impacts of agroforestry in mitigating heat stress. The research leverages local adaptation practices and robust partnerships to deliver evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of vulnerable farming communities.
Interventions
- Agroforestry Implementation:
Expanding tree cover in croplands to create shaded areas and reduce heat exposure. - Microclimate Monitoring:
Assessing temperature, humidity, and soil moisture under tree-shaded areas versus open fields. - Health Risk Assessment:
Investigating the impact of tree cover on reducing dehydration, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular strain in agricultural workers.
Activities
Understanding Local Heat Risk
Conducting interviews and workshops with agricultural workers and community leaders to identify heat-related health challenges and existing adaptation practices.
Tree-Based Intervention Trials
Implementing and evaluating tree planting in croplands, focusing on drought-resistant native species that provide optimal shade and environmental benefits.
Health and Environmental Data Collection
Monitoring worker health outcomes (e.g., hydration levels, cardiovascular indicators) and environmental parameters (e.g., soil temperature, humidity) to evaluate intervention effectiveness.
Training and Education
Developing education and training packages co-designed with local stakeholders to promote the adoption of agroforestry and sustainable land-use practices.
Methods
Tracked Outcomes
- Health: Assessing reductions in heat-related illnesses, including dehydration and cardiovascular strain.
- Environmental: Measuring improvements in microclimate conditions, such as reduced soil and air temperatures under tree-shaded areas.
- Agricultural Productivity: Evaluating how tree cover affects crop yields and soil health.
Novel Methodology
Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that combines epidemiology, forestry, and climatology to understand the complex interactions between trees, microclimates, and health. Local partnerships ensure culturally relevant, community-driven solutions are developed and implemented.
