Understanding how farmers use climate information to adapt to climate change

What is it about?

In Kenya, farming is a major part of the economy. Sadly, climate change means more droughts and less rain. This negatively impacts crops and food production. To adapt to these challenges, farmers need access to reliable climate information. Knowing what to expect can help them make better decisions about when to plant, what to plant, and how to take care of their crops and animals. This study identified the climate information that farmers could access in semiarid regions of Kenya. It looked at how this information helped them adapt, factors affecting the use of climate information, and the benefits it provided. The study found that there was a link between using climate information and the adaptation strategy adopted. Farmers used the information for tactical, short period farm operations. By using climate information, they managed to reduce crop loss and increase crop yield and revenue. However, most farmers got their information from the radio and community meetings. They did not get much of their information from technology. A few farmers even had trouble making sense of technical terms. Many farmers also did not have access to farm insurance or specialized weather predictions.

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Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash

Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Farmers use a variety of strategies to adapt to climate change that not only help their crops but also the environment. However, there are still significant challenges. These include a lack of resources, understanding of technical terms, and trust in predictions when they do not match the happenings locally. This study helps us understand how farmers in areas with little rain use information about the weather. It shows that when farmers get this information, they can make better decisions to protect their crops and the resources they use. KEY TAKEAWAY: Giving farmers access to information that suits their needs is essential. We also need to work on building trust in this information and increasing access to resources that can help support farmers adapt to climate change. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 2: Zero Hunger • SDG 13: Climate Action • SDG 1: No Poverty • SDG 15: Life on Land