Improve weather forecasting by integrating local indicators into conventional knowledge

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