Scientific Weather Forecast Information Communication: Perspectives Of Rural Food Crop Farmers In The Lawra District.

ABSTRACT 

The study explored perspectives of rural food crop farmers in the Lawra District on SWFI communication and uptake. The study was conducted in 4 purposively selected communities. A qualitative approach was adopted and employed exploratory case study design in collecting the data using a convenience sample. Study employed Semi-structured questions and data collection techniques used were in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussion, participant observations and audio-visual materials. Data gathered from the field were mainly from primary sources and analysed using qualitative approaches. The study identified weather updates on expected rainfall, temperature conditions, nature of wind and amount of rainfall as weather information delivered to the rural farmers. The SWFI is generic in nature and lack agronomic advisory information. The dominant delivery channel of SWFI is the mobile phone. The delivery format is mainly short message service alerts. Respondents preferred rainfall onset and cessation dates followed with intermittent weather updates, agronomic advisories, crop specific information on staple crops. Voice message in the local language is preferred as packaging format. Preferred delivery channels are farmer meteorologist interactive platforms, WIAs, mobile phones with voice messages in Dagaare, broadcasting SWFI using radio, complement with rain gauge readings. These were found to have an influence in the uptake of SWFI. The study observed that SWFI is used during pre-season, season and post-season periods. Weather information downscaled to specific communities. Following this, farmers reported increase in crop yields. The study recommends wide range of delivery strategies, packaging should be participatory, advisories in the forecast is paramount.