Southern Africa faces increasing climate extremes affecting farmers reliant on rain-fed agriculture. A digital advisory campaign using IVR technology reached over 1 million farmers in Malawi and Zambia, delivering crucial El Niño information. Feedback indicated a high utility of the messages, with radio being the preferred information delivery channel. Results underscored the dependence on meteorological forecasts for farming decisions, highlighting effective strategies like conservation agriculture in combating climate impacts.
In Southern Africa, climate extremes, such as droughts and floods, are increasingly frequent and severe, severely impacting populations that depend on rain-fed agriculture. Farmers urgently require support to bolster their resilience against such climate-related events. Unfortunately, national extension systems in this region often lack sufficient funding and the necessary capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.
This report evaluates a digital advisory initiative launched in December 2023, which aimed to disseminate essential information and guidance to farmers during an El Niño event in Malawi and Zambia. Utilizing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology, the campaign was accessible via basic mobile phones, reaching over 1 million farmers across both countries. Feedback indicated that more than 90% of participants found the information beneficial for enhancing their awareness and preparedness.
Radio was identified as the most popular channel for receiving extension messages in both Malawi and Zambia, emphasizing its effectiveness in information dissemination. Additionally, the data highlights the significant influence of meteorological forecasts on farmers’ decisions regarding crop selection and planting schedules. For instance, dry spells lasting over 21 days could result in maize yield losses of 70-90%.
The findings indicate that conservation agriculture and the use of drought-resistant crops were the predominant strategies implemented by farmers to mitigate adverse effects. The study underscores the necessity for governments to have access to relevant information about their populations to enact informed support measures effectively. Digital advisories not only facilitate the collection of real-time on-farm data but also aid in providing timely assistance to farmers.
Furthermore, conducting analyses after events provides invaluable insights that can enhance future response strategies, ultimately diminishing reliance on donor funding. This initiative highlights the potential of digital tools to empower farmers and strengthen agricultural resilience against climate variability in the region.
The digital advisory campaign significantly improved farmers’ readiness and resilience against climate-related challenges in Malawi and Zambia. Over 1 million farmers benefited from vital information, demonstrating the critical role of timely communication in agricultural planning. Conservation strategies and real-time data utilization emerged as effective measures, emphasizing the need for continued investment in digital agricultural solutions to prepare for future climate uncertainties.
Original Source: www.cgiar.org
