502
3.7 Factors for Enhancing Access and Use of Weather
and Climate Information
During the field visit in both villages, it was found that not all farmers were using
weather and climate information in decision-making processes, due to so many
challenges including a lack of education. In order to improve the use of climate and
weather information in planning for agricultural production, the following are
proposed:
• NGOs should provide education so that they can be more aware of the importance of using climate information in decision-making processes, especially in
agriculture, as suggested by all (100%) respondents in Sanje and all (100%)
respondents in Msolwa Ujamaa.
• The government should increase the density of weather stations down to the
village level, so that villagers and farmers can access timely climate information,
relevant at the local level.
• Weather and climate information should be more clearly specified in terms of
area.
• Weather and climate information should be provided in simple language, as suggested by 88% of respondents in Sanje and 92% of respondents in Msolwa
Ujamaa and also supported by Daron et al. (2015).
• An increased amount of related equipment may be necessary, as some respondents
reported a lack of such equipment in some weather stations.
• Increase communication with scientists specialised in climate, so that farmers
can access expert help in the use of weather and climate information.
4 Conclusions
This study investigated the availability, access and use of weather and climate information by smallholder farmers in the Kilombero River Catchment. Specifically, the
study: (i) identified the available climate services and their accessibility to smallholder farmers and stakeholders in the study area, (ii) assessed the barriers to the use
of weather and climate information in decision-making by smallholder farmers and
(iii) investigated the factors for enhancing access to and use of information by
smallholder farmers.
Regarding the available climate services, their accessibility and use, the study
revealed that weather and rainfall information was available for rainfall, temperature
and sunshine. Such information is accessed through radio, television, traditional signs
and extension officers. Available climate information is mainly used in planning, preparedness and awareness of climate events such as floods. Respondents also used the
information for informing their decisions on the timing of agricultural activities, such
as when to start cultivation, when to apply fertilisers and when to harvest. Availability,
E. P. Ruth et al.
3.7 Factors for Enhancing Access and Use of Weather
and Climate Information
During the field visit in both villages, it was found that not all farmers were using
weather and climate information in decision-making processes, due to so many
challenges including a lack of education. In order to improve the use of climate and
weather information in planning for agricultural production, the following are
proposed:
• NGOs should provide education so that they can be more aware of the importance of using climate information in decision-making processes, especially in
agriculture, as suggested by all (100%) respondents in Sanje and all (100%)
respondents in Msolwa Ujamaa.
• The government should increase the density of weather stations down to the
village level, so that villagers and farmers can access timely climate information,
relevant at the local level.
• Weather and climate information should be more clearly specified in terms of
area.
• Weather and climate information should be provided in simple language, as suggested by 88% of respondents in Sanje and 92% of respondents in Msolwa
Ujamaa and also supported by Daron et al. (2015).
• An increased amount of related equipment may be necessary, as some respondents
reported a lack of such equipment in some weather stations.
• Increase communication with scientists specialised in climate, so that farmers
can access expert help in the use of weather and climate information.
4 Conclusions
This study investigated the availability, access and use of weather and climate information by smallholder farmers in the Kilombero River Catchment. Specifically, the
study: (i) identified the available climate services and their accessibility to smallholder farmers and stakeholders in the study area, (ii) assessed the barriers to the use
of weather and climate information in decision-making by smallholder farmers and
(iii) investigated the factors for enhancing access to and use of information by
smallholder farmers.
Regarding the available climate services, their accessibility and use, the study
revealed that weather and rainfall information was available for rainfall, temperature
and sunshine. Such information is accessed through radio, television, traditional signs
and extension officers. Available climate information is mainly used in planning, preparedness and awareness of climate events such as floods. Respondents also used the
information for informing their decisions on the timing of agricultural activities, such
as when to start cultivation, when to apply fertilisers and when to harvest. Availability,
E. P. Ruth et al.