Determine Communication channels used by smallholder farmers to access climate services in Musanze district

Abstract

There is a significant threat on the African continent caused by climate change and limited practical options for adaptation and mitigation. Food security is becoming a serious problem and the agricultural sector which is the backbone of the Rwandan economy is severely impacted by climate shocks. The Musanze district's smallholder farmers access and use climate services to lessen the effects of extreme events of weather and climate.  The conceptual structure is one method used by Rwanda Meteorological Agency to provide farmers with climatic services. Farmers employ a variety of modes to acquire climate services from the service providers for the purposes of planning, adaptation, and mitigation. Researchers, development partners, Ministries/Agencies, and others get climate products, which are then made available to farmers to support them make informed decisions. The survey was also carried out by engaging smallholder farmers using open-ended questions from key-format interviews, providing thorough information on how climate services are very vital and essential to the farmers. The findings indicated that the most commonly used products in planning and decision-making of agricultural activities are monthly bulletins, impact-based early warning information, daily weather forecasts and seasonal forecasts. The age, farmer’s income and the availability of equipment’s for accessing climate services contributed greatly to the readiness to use climate information. The availability of climatic services contributed to better selection of seeds and timing of pests and disease prevention. The most widely used modes of accessing climate services were radio, television, social media, and short messaging services. The objective of the study is to determine communication channels used by smallholder farmers to access climate services.