http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/37459 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:52:52 GMT 2013-06-19T07:52:52Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50557 Title: Climate variability and change: perceptions, experiences and realities Authors: Rao, K P C; Oyoo, A Abstract: Farming in the semi-arid tropics, where climatic conditions are marginal and highly variable, is a risky enterprise. The main source of this risk is the variability in rainfall that occurs at many different timescales, ranging from seasons to years to decades and beyond. Farmers operating under these conditions make decisions based on their perceptions and experiences gained from several years of keen observation and practice in the field. However, perceptions are influenced by many factors, both real and subjective. For agriculture, factors like farm productivity, crop, market and local preferences, capacity to invest, willingness to take risks and soil quality play an important role. While the role and significance of some of these factors on productivity and profitability can be perceived more easily due to their relative predictability, extreme variability in climate and the random nature of that variability makes it difficult for farmers to accurately perceive trends in climate. In the absence of detailed measurements, perceptions can be biased and unreliable. Climate information can play an important role in helping farmers better understand this variability and its associated risks, and enhancing their decision-making for effective risk management. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/50557 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48926 Title: Determination of seasonal rainfall variability, onset and cessation in semi-arid Tharaka district, Kenya Authors: Recha, C.W.; Makokha, G.L.; Traore, P.S.; Shisanya, C.; Lodoun, T.; Sako, A. Abstract: The study quantified rainfall variability for March– May (MAM) and October–December (OND) seasons in Tharaka district, Kenya. The parameters analysed were interannual variability of seasonal rainfall, onset and cessation using daily rainfall data in three agro-ecological zones’ stations. Percentage mean cumulative method was used to determine onset and cessation, and seasonal variability was estimated using rainfall variability indices. Although both seasons are highly variable, OND has been persistently below mean over time while MAM shows high within-season variability. Despite the near uniformity in the mean onset and cessation dates, the former is highly variable on an interannual scale. The two rainfall seasons are inherently dissimilar and therefore require specific cropping in agro-ecological zone LM4 and LM4-5. It is possible that farmers in IL5 are missing an opportunity by under-utilising MAM rainfall. The results should be incorporated in implications of climate variability and vulnerability assessment in semi-arid Tharaka district. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48926 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48907 Title: Participatory action research to enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to better respond to climate change and variability : synthesis report Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48907 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48906 Title: Enhancing smallhoders' capacity to cope with climate change : use of seasonal climate forecasts Authors: Mugabe, Francis T.; Admassu, Habtamu; Sall, Amadou; Omolo, Nancy A.; Honkponou, Said Abstract: This document is one of a series of factsheets that aim to share practical experience of how Participatory Action Research (PAR) can be used to trigger technological, social and institutional innovation in Africa to enhance smallholders’ adaptive capacity in the face of climate change and increased climate variability. The uniqueness of this approach is the integration of the “what” (the technologies) with the “how” (PAR) and the “why” (increased capacity of smallholders to cope with climate change). Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48906 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48905 Title: Enhancing smallholders' capacity to cope with climate change : participatory action research and integrated soil fertility management Authors: Mapfumo, Paul; Adjei-Nsiah, Samuel; Mahoo, Henry; Majule, Amos Abstract: This document is one of a series of factsheets that aim to share practical experience of how Participatory Action Research (PAR) can be used to trigger technological, social and institutional innovation in Africa to enhance smallholders’ adaptive capacity in the face of climate change and increased climate variability. The uniqueness of this approach is the integration of the “what” (the technologies) with the “how” (PAR) and the “why” (increased capacity of smallholders to cope with climate change). Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/48905 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z