Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-31472

New Approaches for Improving Farmers' Livelihoods through Timely and Proper Use of Weather Forecast Information: A Pilot Case in Kenya

J. AyiekoS. MwangiJ.B. MwesigwaJ. OduorL.A. OgalloF. OgambiN. Ole NtiatiM. Onyango

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Abstract

164 words

Preliminary observations from community-based agricultural projects have revealed that proper and timely use of weather forecast information can significantly improve farmers’ yields within communities that are vulnerable to extreme conditions of weather, climate change and variability. By increasing their agricultural productivity, food production and food security the community livelihoods are enhanced. ICPAC is strategically placed in a strong partnership with Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) to forecast, innovatively package and disseminate the forecasts to user communities as early warning for related agro-meteorological activities. The participating farming communities rely on the information disseminated through established ICPAC networks. In addition, there is extensive stakeholder involvement during participatory community capacity building workshops which involve grass root farmers and community leaders. This is reinforced through successive regular dissemination of (down-scaled 10-day, monthly and seasonal weather forecast) updates. This has a great potential in strengthening the resilience of the community to adapt and cope with the current and future unfavourable climatic conditions and related hazards for their improved well being.

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