This data was collected in order to examine how communities in Zanzibar cope with and adapt to multiple-stressors including climate change, and how these responses affect long-term adaptation, mitigation and development (AMD) goals. Data from three fishing and farming villages was collected in two field seasons during 2011 and 2012. Across the three villages, 197 household surveys took place, along with 19 focus groups with 180 participants in all. Participants were spread evenly between men and women. Human-induced climate change could have enormous impacts on economies and societies if we persist with 'business as usual'. This is the consensus view of climate scientists and one with which economists are increasingly finding agreement (eg The Stern Review). It is much less certain, however, that our economic, social and political systems can respond to the challenge. Will public, private and civic actors take action to create low-carbon economies? What emission reduction strategies will be efficient, equitable and acceptable? How much should we invest, and when, on measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change? Who will bear the costs and enjoy the benefits?

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