Access to and use of meteorological information by smallholder farmers in Rwanyamahembe subcounty

Abstract

Weather and climate variability are the major production risks and uncertainties impacting agricultural systems performance and management. This study investigated the access and factors that influence the utility of meteorological information by smallholder farmers in Rwanyamahembe subcounty, Mbarara District. A random sampling procedure was carried out in three villages in Rwanyamahembe sub county and a sample size of 77 farmers was used. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit responses from farmers and data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results indicated that more than 93% of the farmers could not access agro meteorological information from a weather station. Lack of awareness about the existence of a weather station (90%) cited as a major factor affecting farmers access to weather forecasts. Most of the farmers revealed they owned radios (56%) which makes it the best to deliver weather information. Other farmers revealed that they use their traditional knowledge and experience to predict weather changes. More than (58%) respondents do not use weather information to make decisions. The factors affecting farmers' utility of agro_meteorological information were related to the inaccuracy of forecasts, inadequate weather forecasts information for meaningful decisions and less understanding of weather information especially bulletins that are always broadcasted in English which is hard to be understood. It was concluded that socio_economic factors affect the level of adoption of agro meteorological information. The study emphasizes the need for meteorological station to broadcast weather forecasts at an appropriate and convenient time for farmers and translated into the local language,Runyankole which people can easily read and understand to increase the usability of the information and the use of feasible demonstrations to enhance the adoption of agro_meteorological products