Browsing by Author "Chengula, Fasco"

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    Traditional weather forecast dissemination, challenges and opportunities the case of Moshi rural district, Kilimanjaro region
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Chengula, Fasco
    This study aimed at examining traditional weather forecasts dissemination practices in terms of challenges and opportunities in some parts of Kilimanjaro mountain plains in Moshi rural District. Using a combination of participatory research approaches and household surveys the study:- explored perceptions of local communities on application and reliability of weather forecasts including indigenous knowledge-based weather forecasts (IKFs); identified past and existing IKFs practices; explored the correlation between IKFs and scientific seasonal climate forecast (SCFs) and the possibility of integrating the two sciences; and analysed the existing communication pathways of agricultural weather forecasts. Findings show that 96.5% of farmers directly use climate information for decision making, with about 60.0% of farmers using indigenous knowledge based weather forecasts (IKFs). It was revealed that IKFs practices involve observing a combination of living organisms (plants, insects, and animals), atmospheric, astronomic, physical- environmental and myth based indicators with plant phenology materializing most common indicator. While about 86.3% of respondents observed correlation between SCFs and IKFs, and 93.6% supported integrating the two the nature and extent of this correlation is not well established. However, a generally weak, uncoordinated and untimely communication fabric intricate use and uptake of weather forecasts by the majority of users. The study recommends a quick but thorough review of Tanzania’s landscape with regard to climate and or meteorological service provision alongside IKFs knowledge. However, policy support is pivotal in improving the nature and availability of weather information in the country