This article summarizes a report on a digital advisory campaign implemented in Malawi and Zambia to support farmers during an El Niño event. Utilizing Interactive Voice Response technology, the campaign reached over one million farmers, proving beneficial for awareness and preparedness. Key findings show the importance of timely meteorological forecasts and indicate a strong need for improved governmental support and real-time data acquisition to enhance agricultural resilience against climate extremes.
In Southern Africa, climate extremes like droughts, floods, and cyclones are increasingly frequent and severe, significantly affecting populations reliant on rain-fed agriculture. It is essential for farmers to receive guidance to bolster resilience against these climate-related challenges. However, national extension systems lack adequate funding and the capacity to respond efficiently during emergencies, hindering support to those in need.
This report evaluates a digital advisory campaign that aimed to disseminate valuable information to farmers in Malawi and Zambia during an El Niño event using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology. Initiated in December 2023, prior to the agricultural season, the campaign focused on raising awareness and providing advisories through accessible channels, particularly for users of basic mobile phones.
Feedback from farmers indicated that over one million individuals were reached by the campaign, with over 90% deeming the information useful for their awareness and preparedness. Notably, radio emerged as the preferred medium for receiving extension messages across both countries. The reports demonstrate that timely meteorological forecasts significantly impacted farmers’ decisions regarding crop choices and planting schedules, illustrating the importance of accurate information in agriculture.
The results indicated a concerning correlation between dry spells exceeding 21 days and maize yield losses between 70% and 90%. Farmers reported using conservation agriculture and adopting drought-tolerant crops as primary mitigation strategies to combat the adverse effects of such climatic events. The findings emphasize the importance of governments having access to critical information for more informed decision-making regarding agricultural support extensions.
Digital advisories provide a valuable method for acquiring real-time data on agricultural conditions, which can be pivotal in mobilizing effective support for farmers. Moreover, conducting post-event analysis yields crucial insights that can enhance future responses and reduce reliance on external donor funding. Overall, improving communication and information dissemination can significantly bolster resilience in agricultural communities facing climate volatility.
This report highlights the critical role of digital advisories in enhancing the resilience of farmers in Malawi and Zambia against climate extremes during El Niño events. By effectively utilizing technology and disseminating timely information, the campaign fostered increased awareness among over one million farmers. Ultimately, it underscores the need for improved governmental access to data and resources to support agricultural communities proactively.
Original Source: www.cgiar.org
