Transcript DISSEMINATION OF WEATHER / CLIMATE INFORMATION AND PRODUCTS TO INCREASE FOOD PRODUCTION Sue Walker Prof of Agrometeorology Dept.

DISSEMINATION OF
WEATHER / CLIMATE
INFORMATION AND
PRODUCTS TO
INCREASE FOOD
PRODUCTION
Sue Walker
Prof of Agrometeorology
Dept. Soil, Crop & Climate Sciences
University of the Free State
South Africa
WEATHER AFFECTS ALL
LIFE ON EARTH
Agricultural production is the most weather
dependent of human activities.
Crop production is not simple but complex
dynamic response to interactions in soilcrop-atmosphere system
including physiology and phenology,
including state of environment prior to
season.
WHY A SEASONAL FORECAST?
benefits are possible
use forecast in decision making
make management response that can
change the anticipated impact
forecast
acquires value
need shift from “passive acceptance”
to “active response”
so what
ACTION can you take !
WHEN?
with sufficient time
 to act / react
 to disseminate information
 to formulate alternative plan
 to make decisions
convenient time for client
WHERE?
regular/routine column/slot
news flash / headline
frequent repeats or updates
HOW?
radio, TV
telephone, fax, text message
print media
 daily / weekly
 specialized periodicals
personal contact
with individuals or groups
via leaders - community, religious, sport, family
role-plays
advertising
 T-shirts
 soap powder box
farmer to farmer
WHAT?
prognostic – what is likely to happen?
diagnostic – what has happen in recent past?
what is happening now?
message must be able to change probable impact
by being applied
must address relevant information and promote
feasible action
culturally specific persuasive message
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highlight threat
respond to a cue
develop a meaningful goal
within the cultural environment
develop a persuasive message that can lead to
specific action
GUIDELINE TO IMPROVE DISSEMATION
Map out path of message
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from climate experts to community
locate gaps, weak links
Identify users
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make audience profiles
characterize subgroups
id their specific goals
look for
under-represented groups
under-served groups
new users/missed groups
GUIDELINE TO IMPROVE DISSEMATION
Characterize level of prior knowledge and beliefs
ID key/sensitive decision points
 what is technically possible
 what is socio-economically feasible
Package information to target these points
Provide range of options where
decisions actually result in
tangible output
CONCLUSIONS
know you clients needs
know what is available
know most critical weather affected
decisions
know information needed for decision
making
work out credible scenarios
present options and consequences
CONCLUSIONS
So let us
help public / users / layman
make transition from
“passive acceptance”
of weather by enabling and
equipping them to make an
“active response”
to optimize opportunities