Improve weather forecasting by integrating local indicators into conventional knowledge
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Date
2014
Authors
Mucheru-Muna, M.
Mugwe, J. N.
Ngetich, F.
Mugendi, D.N.
Mairura, F.
Mugi, Esther
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM),
Abstract
Why use local indicators in weather forecasting? • Most of agriculture in Tharaka and Kitui is rain-fed and the bulk is under small-holder farming. • Cropping systems in the region are often limited by variations in climate (rainfall and temperature). • The conditions caused by climate variability have negative effects on agricultural productivity by introducing unfavourable growing conditions into the existing cropping calendar. • There is therefore need for adaptation as a fundamental and necessary response to the unfavorable conditions introduced into the existing cropping calendar. • The adaptive responses include among others the use of indigenous knowledge (IK)/ local indicators that are passed on among local communities in addition to the conventional knowledge and this helps to predict disasters caused by climate variability