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?

(1) A survey was designed to collect data on household demographics, livelihood portfolios and climate mitigation, specifically household energy use and tree planting/forest use. The survey was conducted by three members of the research team in KiSwahili and the answers recorded in English. To ensure random sampling, each member of the research team was instructed start in different parts of the village and to approach every fifth person. Surveys took place in informal settings and took around 20 minutes to complete. (2) Focus groups: In each village, up to 7 focus group discussions took place. The first of each of the focus groups investigated the social and environmental changes that had taken place in the village over the previous 10 years. Before the focus groups, a literature review identified fifteen key environmental and social issues relevant to Zanzibar. These were presented to the three communities. The focus group participants were also invited to discuss any environmental or social issues that had not been presented to them. During the first focus group, a discussion on the role of institutions in the villages also took place.