Abstract:
This study evaluates the contribution of climate information services
(CIS) to agriculture and food production, and rural household incomes
in selected Climate Change Adaptation in Africa projects in Eastern
and Southern Africa region. It establishes the resilience of projects after
completion; factors influencing the sustainable use of CIS in the project
area and beyond; and the benefits of institutionalization of climate
information services through organized groups and extension services.
Existing project documents were reviewed; questionnaires and
interviews conducted with farmers, field project officers and key
informants to achieve the study objectives. The results showed that
institutionalization of climate information services through organized
groups such as farmer groups and extension services enhance climate
resilient agriculture. Access, consistency, reliability and relevance of
the climate information to farmers‟ needs were fundamental in
integration of climate information into household decision making.
Thus translation and communication of the seasonal forecasts in local
languages empowers farmers to make informed farm management
decisions. Use of CIS increases agricultural yields by between 5% to
more than 75% and gender, age, education levels and household sizes
influence the use of CIS in farm decisions. Therefore, investment in
adult literacy and women involvement are key to use of CIS for
increased productivity in Africa.
