Access and utilization of agro-meteorological information: A case study of small holder irrigation farmers in Kenya

Weather and climate are one of the major production risks and uncertainties impacting on agricultural systems performance and management. A study was conducted in Lari Wendani irrigation scheme, Nakuru North District, and Perkerra irrigation scheme, Baringo district to assess the socio-economic, demographic and psychological factors affecting access and utilization of agro-meteorological information for decision making among small holder irrigation farmers. A systematic random sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 255 farmers from a total population of 776 farmers. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit responses from farmers in the study areas. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicate that the National Meteorological Centre in Kenya is the main source of agro meteorological information reaching the farmers mainly through the radio. Level of education, access to seasonal forecasts, radio, television and extension services indicated positive significant correlation with the utilization of seasonal agrometeorological forecasts at p<0.05 (r=0.17, 0.49, 0.191, 0.18, 0.22 respectively). Several farmers (23%) perceived both scientific and indigenous weather forecasting to be accurate and incorporate them in making planting decisions. However, over 70% consider such forecasts either unreliable or partially reliable for both scientific and indigenous forecasts. It is apparent from this study that in order to improve access and utilization of seasonal agro-meteorological forecasts it is imperative that access to radio, television, extension services and the dissemination of detailed location specific short-medium range forecasts are paramount.