Coping with Climate Variability
Published on 30. April 2003
Book
Hardback
237 pages
978-0-7546-1766-2 (ISBN)
Description
Recent food shortages in Southern Africa, induced by rainfall variability but compounded by problems of governance and rising food prices, have resulted in massive relief efforts. A recent scientific innovation - supplying farmers with seasonal climate forecasts - has been touted as a way to increase preparedness for such situations. This book examines how climate forecasts are used by the agricultural community in Southern Africa. Based on a workshop funded by the World Bank, it covers a broad set of issues related to the use of seasonal forecasts, including factors that constrain users' capacities to respond. Case studies presented in the book explore how forecasts can potentially increase production and food security among a population highly dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to climate variability. The book reflects on how the production, delivery and uptake of seasonal forecasts might be improved, as well as the limitations to their usefulness, and it should catalyse future thinking and research in this field.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
maps
Dimensions
Height: 157 mm
Width: 224 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-7546-1766-2 (9780754617662)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Seasonal Climate Forecasts: Climate forecasts in Southern Africa, Coleen Vogel and Karen O'Brien; Regional responses to climate variability in Southern Africa, Maxx Dilley; National responses to seasonal forecasts in 1997, Anne Thomson; Forecasts and farmers - exploring the limitations, Roger Blench. Case Studies of User Responses: The use of seasonal forecasts by livestock farmers in South Africa, Jerry Hudson and Coleen Vogel; Climate forecasts in Swaziland - perspectives from agribusiness, Louise Bohn; Determinants of forecast use among communal farmers in Zimbabwe, Jennifer Phillips; Climate forecasts in Mozambique - an economic perspective, Channing Arndt, Melanie Bacou and Antonio Cruz. Identifying User Needs: Integrating indigenous knowledge and climate forecasts in Tanzania, Nganga Kihupi, Robert Kingamkono, Hamisi Dihenga, Margaret Kingamkono and Winifrida Rwamugira; Forecasts and commercial agriculture - a survey of user needs in South Africa, Emsie Klopper and Anna Bartman; Meeting user needs for climate forecasts in Malawi, Neil Ward and Jolamu Nkhokwe; A future for forecasts?, Karen O'Brien and Coleen Vogel.