Urban Climate Change Adaptation: Analyzing the Institutionalization Planning Approaches in Tanzania

Jessica Ports Robbins

February 25, 2026

• Coretha Komba, Mzumbe University

• Kardo Mwilongo, Mzumbe University

• Beth Kachota, Mzumbe University

• Elizabeth Sulle, Mzumbe University

Summary:

Cities across the globe are facing the impacts of climate change, which have persistently affected both economic growth and natural environments worldwide. This report aims to study the urban climate change adaptation and institutionalization planning approaches in Tanzania. Specifically, the study examines the initiatives of Tanzania toward institutionalizing climate change adaptation, assesses the level of urban residents’ awareness of climate change adaptation, analyses the effectiveness of the existing urban climate change adaptation policies and frameworks, and explores the stakeholders’ involvement in urban climate change adaptation planning. The project utilized a concurrent research design, gathering data through quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences software, and content analysis was used in qualitative data. The project findings reveal that the government is actively addressing climate change adaptation aspects and institutionalization of policy and frameworks. Similarly, most urban residents are aware of these efforts and that are well-informed of climate change adaptation policies and frameworks. Additionally, the results show that stakeholders are engaged at different levels, but their involvement is constrained by insufficient communication among government agencies, the private sector, and communities.