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Climate information alone not enough to spur farmers’ adaptation
These findings carry significant implications for policymakers and development practitioners, especially currently, where we are looking at agriculture as one the key sectors to contribute to the ten-fold growth strategy. Climate services have often focused on disseminating forecasts, but this study underscores the need for integrated packages of support.
Peter Babyenda. (Courtesy)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Peter Babyenda
Our recent study that we conducted in Machakos County, Kenya, revealed that while the provision of climate information is vital for smallholder farmers, it is not sufficient on its own to drive long-term adaptation to climate change. The study highlights the complex interplay between information provision, behavioural responses and institutional support in building resilience among farmers.
We used an experiment to test how farmers responded to three types of climate information: short-term forecasts, long-term unexplained projections and long-term explained projections. Results showed that while explained long-term forecasts improved comprehension and reduced ambiguity, they did not consistently lead to forward-looking investments such as applying irrigation, water harvesting and planting of climate-sensitive crop and animal varieties. Short-term forecasts reinforced seasonal coping strategies, while unexplained projections heightened risk aversion.
Short-term forecasts reinforced seasonal coping strategies, while unexplained projections heightened risk aversion.
We used an experiment to test how farmers responded to three types of climate information: short-term forecasts, long-term unexplained projections and long-term explained projections. Results showed that while explained long-term forecasts improved comprehension and reduced ambiguity, they did not consistently lead to forward-looking investments such as applying irrigation, water harvesting and planting of climate-sensitive crop and animal varieties. Short-term forecasts reinforced seasonal coping strategies, while unexplained projections heightened risk aversion.
Short-term forecasts reinforced seasonal coping strategies, while unexplained projections heightened risk aversion.
Therefore, farmers’ decisions on adaptation to climate change seem not to be only shaped by the clarity of climate forecasts but also by liquidity constraints, risk perceptions and institutional barriers. For example, without access to credit to enable purchase of climate-resistant seeds and purchase of irrigation equipment like water pumps; availability of extension services and policy incentives such as the provision of free solar-powered pumps; even well-understood climate information failed to translate into sustained adaptation among farmers.
These findings carry significant implications for policymakers and development practitioners, especially currently, where we are looking at agriculture as one the key sectors to contribute to the ten-fold growth strategy. Climate services have often focused on disseminating forecasts, but this study underscores the need for integrated packages of support.
“Reliable, accessible and context-specific climate information must be embedded within enabling environments; only then can farmers overcome behavioural and institutional barriers to invest in long-term resilience practices. Policymakers are urged to align information provision with institutional reforms, financial inclusion and trust-building measures. The agriculture ministry should prioritise evidence-based strategies that integrate forecasts with training, credit access and participatory approaches.
The writer is the EfD-Mak Centre policy engagement coordinator and lecturer at school of economics, Makerere University
These findings carry significant implications for policymakers and development practitioners, especially currently, where we are looking at agriculture as one the key sectors to contribute to the ten-fold growth strategy. Climate services have often focused on disseminating forecasts, but this study underscores the need for integrated packages of support.
“Reliable, accessible and context-specific climate information must be embedded within enabling environments; only then can farmers overcome behavioural and institutional barriers to invest in long-term resilience practices. Policymakers are urged to align information provision with institutional reforms, financial inclusion and trust-building measures. The agriculture ministry should prioritise evidence-based strategies that integrate forecasts with training, credit access and participatory approaches.
The writer is the EfD-Mak Centre policy engagement coordinator and lecturer at school of economics, Makerere University