489
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
B. R. Singh et al. (eds.), Climate Impacts on Agricultural and Natural Resource
Sustainability in Africa, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37537-9_28
Availability, Access and Use of Weather
and Climate Information by Smallholder
Farmers in the Kilombero River
Catchment, Tanzania
E. P. Ruth, J. J. Kashaigili, and A. E. Majule
Abstract Climate information is vital in national development planning for the
management of development opportunities and risks, as well as mitigation and
adaptation. Nevertheless, little is known about the obstacles and opportunities for
decision-making in Tanzania, particularly for smallholder farmers. This study
sought to: (i) understand the demand for, availability and usefulness of weather and
climate information and (ii) assess diffusion methods – how information reaches
farmers and whether information is used for decision-making. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect data in the two study villages. Quantitative
data were analysed statistically and qualitative data by content analysis. Findings
revealed that rainfall, temperature and sunshine were the most commonly accessed
weather information. The main use of information was for preparedness and the
timing of crop planting, as revealed by about 95% and 70% of respondents, respectively. Barriers to the use of climate information included lack of localised weather
and climate information, generalisation of the information and the content being too
technical (ca. 60% of respondents). Socio-economic characteristics (level of education, age and gender) appeared to affect access to and use of information. This study
recommends the provision of more timely and accurate information on climate,
the training of farmers on using this information and improved cooperation with
stakeholders such as researchers, meteorologists and extension officers on climate
adaptation strategies.
E. P. Ruth (*) · J. J. Kashaigili
Department of Forest Resources Assessment and Management, Sokoine University
of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
A. E. Majule
Institute of Resources Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
B. R. Singh et al. (eds.), Climate Impacts on Agricultural and Natural Resource
Sustainability in Africa, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37537-9_28
Availability, Access and Use of Weather
and Climate Information by Smallholder
Farmers in the Kilombero River
Catchment, Tanzania
E. P. Ruth, J. J. Kashaigili, and A. E. Majule
Abstract Climate information is vital in national development planning for the
management of development opportunities and risks, as well as mitigation and
adaptation. Nevertheless, little is known about the obstacles and opportunities for
decision-making in Tanzania, particularly for smallholder farmers. This study
sought to: (i) understand the demand for, availability and usefulness of weather and
climate information and (ii) assess diffusion methods – how information reaches
farmers and whether information is used for decision-making. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to collect data in the two study villages. Quantitative
data were analysed statistically and qualitative data by content analysis. Findings
revealed that rainfall, temperature and sunshine were the most commonly accessed
weather information. The main use of information was for preparedness and the
timing of crop planting, as revealed by about 95% and 70% of respondents, respectively. Barriers to the use of climate information included lack of localised weather
and climate information, generalisation of the information and the content being too
technical (ca. 60% of respondents). Socio-economic characteristics (level of education, age and gender) appeared to affect access to and use of information. This study
recommends the provision of more timely and accurate information on climate,
the training of farmers on using this information and improved cooperation with
stakeholders such as researchers, meteorologists and extension officers on climate
adaptation strategies.
E. P. Ruth (*) · J. J. Kashaigili
Department of Forest Resources Assessment and Management, Sokoine University
of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
A. E. Majule
Institute of Resources Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania