Evaluating the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Climate Information Communication in the African Agricultural Sector: A Systematic Analysis of Climate Services

The use of climate services (CS) for the provisioning of climate information for informed decision-making on adaptation action has gained momentum. However, a comprehensive review of the literature to evaluate the lessons and experiences of CS implementation in the African agriculture sector is still lacking. Here, we present a systematic review (mapping) of 50 pieces of literature documenting lessons and experiences of CS adoption in the agriculture sector of 20 African countries. The qualitative analysis of the reviewed literature revealed: (1) CS implementation overwhelmingly relied on a participatory process through workshops and participatory scenario planning meetings to connect users with actors along the CS value chain of forecast production, translation, integration, and application. Additionally, innovations such as mobile phones and internet service are increasingly being integrated with CS to strengthen the relationship between CS providers and users. They are, however, mostly at the trial stage and tend to have a varying impact depending on available facilities and infrastructure in the community. (2) Although there is a growing recognition of the need for the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems in the production of climate information, such integration is currently not happening. Rather, indigenous knowledge holders are engaged in a participatory process for insight on modalities of making scientific climate information locally relevant and acceptable. Given the aforementioned findings, we recommend further research on modalities for facilitating indigenous knowledge mainstreaming in climate information production, and investigation of options for using innovations (e.g., mobile) to enhance the interactions between CS users and CS providers. Such research will play a great role in scaling up the adoption of CS in the African agricultural sector

Collaboration Relations in Climate Information Production and Dissemination to Subsistence Farmers in Namibia

Although climate information can aid farmers' capacity to adapt to climate change, its accessibility and adoption by subsistence farmers hinge on the collaboration between farmers and climate information providers. This paper examines collaborations among actors in the process of climate information production and dissemination in the Namibian agricultural sector. The aim is to investigate the extent to which subsistence farmers are integrated into the collaboration process and the impact of the collaboration on the nature and accessibility of disseminated information. Key informant interviews and a questionnaire survey were used for data collection. Using network analysis, we estimated the networks' density, clustering coefficient, and degree centrality. The study found that both the climate information production and dissemination networks have a high overall clustering coefficient (78% and 77%, respectively) suggesting a high rate of collaboration among the actors in the networks. However, the frequency of interactions between the actors in both the information production and dissemination networks and subsistence farmers remains very low. Nearly all surveyed farmers reported that they meet with information providers only once in a year. The effect of this poor interaction is reflected in the poor occurrence of feedback learning, which is needed to optimize channels of information dissemination to subsistence farmers and enhance the robustness of disseminated information. We recommend innovative communication means via mobile phone, promotion of peer-to-peer learning, flexible collaboration relations with more space for feedback from the users of climate information, and more attention to long-term forecasts and their implications for adaptive actions

The contribution of tree plantations to household welfare : case study of Piet Retief and Iswepe communities

This paper examines the contribution of industrial tree plantation to welfare of rural households in villages located in the industrial tree plantations in Iswepe and Piet Retief communities of Mkhondo local municipality, South Africa. Systemic random sampling was used to administer questionnaire survey on 120 households. Findings shows that household in these communities enjoy direct benefits such as employment opportunities, and indirect benefits such as provision of housing linked to the social responsibility spending of tree plantation companies operating in the locality. However, households in the study area expressed concern with issues such as lack of access to electricity, poor health and sanitation services. There is therefore need to address issues of concern raised by households in this study in order to improve the overall contribution of tree plantations to rural household’s welfare in South Africa.International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and Commonwealth Forestry Association.http://www.cfa-international.org/international_forestry_review.phphb201

The Effect of Inter-Organisational Collaboration Networks on Climate Knowledge Flows and Communication to Pastoralists in Kenya

In Kenya, pastoralists have utilized natural grasslands using practices that often result in overgrazing, low productivity and low income. Such practices have caused environmental problems, which could be exacerbated by climate change. Although knowledge on practices that increase pastoralists’ capacity to adapt to climate and environmental challenges is currently available, the adoption rate remains poor. Hence, there is growing interest in understanding how cross-scale inter-organizational collaboration process either facilitates or hinders climate knowledge communications to and uptake by pastoralists. This study used network analysis to identify how inter-organizational collaborations in knowledge production and dissemination shape knowledge flow and communication to pastoralists in Kenya. A knowledge mapping workshop, key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to identify the key organizations involved in the generation, brokering, and dissemination of adaptation knowledge to pastoralists. Two networks of configurations were explored: (i) relations of collaboration in knowledge production and (ii) relations of collaboration in knowledge dissemination. Measure of clustering coefficient, density, core-periphery location, and degree centrality were used to analyze the network structure and cohesion, and its influence on knowledge flow and adoption. Findings revealed a strong integration across the network with research institutes, NGOs (Non-governmental organizations), and CBOs (Community based organizations) identified as among the central actors, based on their degree centrality. Further, we observed a higher density of ties among actors in the knowledge production network than the dissemination network. The lower density of the dissemination network indicates there are not that many activities by key organizations aimed at ensuring that knowledge reaches the users, compared to activities related to knowledge generation. This also results in poor feedback processes from local pastoralists to knowledge generators and brokers. Knowledge transfer and uptake could therefore be enhanced by improving dissemination activities and feedback mechanisms in the dissemination network as a means of capturing pastoralist perspectives on the relevance, reliability, and usability of knowledge for action. Reflection and revision can be used to improve knowledge so that it is more in sync with a pastoralist context

Evaluating the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Climate Information Communication in the African Agricultural Sector: A Systematic Analysis of Climate Services

The use of climate services (CS) for the provisioning of climate information for informed decision-making on adaptation action has gained momentum. However, a comprehensive review of the literature to evaluate the lessons and experiences of CS implementation in the African agriculture sector is still lacking. Here, we present a systematic review (mapping) of 50 pieces of literature documenting lessons and experiences of CS adoption in the agriculture sector of 20 African countries. The qualitative analysis of the reviewed literature revealed: (1) CS implementation overwhelmingly relied on a participatory process through workshops and participatory scenario planning meetings to connect users with actors along the CS value chain of forecast production, translation, integration, and application. Additionally, innovations such as mobile phones and internet service are increasingly being integrated with CS to strengthen the relationship between CS providers and users. They are, however, mostly at the trial stage and tend to have a varying impact depending on available facilities and infrastructure in the community. (2) Although there is a growing recognition of the need for the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems in the production of climate information, such integration is currently not happening. Rather, indigenous knowledge holders are engaged in a participatory process for insight on modalities of making scientific climate information locally relevant and acceptable. Given the aforementioned findings, we recommend further research on modalities for facilitating indigenous knowledge mainstreaming in climate information production, and investigation of options for using innovations (e.g., mobile) to enhance the interactions between CS users and CS providers. Such research will play a great role in scaling up the adoption of CS in the African agricultural sector

Sawmill conversion efficiency and wood recovery of timber species in cross river state Nigeria

Wood wastage during conversion has been identified as one of the factors contributing to forest loss. This study analysed efficiency of timber conversion at the sawmill section of Calabar Wood Export Processing Factory (CWEPF), Cross River State, Nigeria. Ten commonly processed timber species were monitored through the various machines during the conversion process. The various wastes associated with the conversion and numbers of sawn timber produced were analysed. The mean percentage of total wood waste generated during conversion process at the mill was found to vary from 46.89% in Cylicodiscus gabunensis to 55.49% in Tectonia grandis. The mean volume of wood waste due to back was found to vary from 0.019m3 in Cylicodiscus gabunensis to 0.133m3 in Afzelia africana. The mean percentage of recovery efficiency for the ten sampled log species was 46.87%. The recovery percentage varied from 46.24% in Afzelia Africana to 53.11% in Cylicodiscus gabunensis. The percentage of recovery of the ten sampled species was found to be significantly different. The study shows that conversion efficiency of the mill is comparably low; this has the potential of increasing demand for more logs and forest exploitation. There is need for improved technology that promotes efficient and effective timber conversion to facilitate sustainable timber exploitation in the state.Velika količina drvnog otpada tokom konverzije je jedan od faktora koji doprinose gubitku šuma. Stoga, ova studija analizira efikasnost konverzije drveta u sektoru pilane u fabrici za preradu i izvoz drveta u gradu Kalabar (CVEPF), u državi Kros River, u Nigeriji. Posmatrana je obrada različitim mašinama deset najčešće obrađivanih vrsta drveta tokom procesa konverzije. Analziran je otpad koji nastaje konverzijom i prizvedena rezana građa. Utvrđeno je da prosječna vrijednost ukupnog drvnog otpada generisanog tokom procesa konverzije u pilani varira od 46.89% kod Cylicodiscus gabunensisdo 55.49% kod Tectonia grandis. Utvrđeno je da prosječna zapremina drvnog otpada zbog starosti varira od 0.019m3 kod Cylicodiscus gabunensis do 00.133m3 kod Afzelia africana. Prosječna vrijednost efikasnosti oporavak deset uzorkovanih vrsta iznosila je 46.87%. Utvrđeno je da se procenat oporavka značajno razlikuje kod deset uzorkovanih vrsta. Studija pokazuje da je efikasnost konverzije na pilani niska, što otvara mogućnost povećanja potražnje i održiviju eksploataciju šuma. Postoji potreba za savremenijom tehnologijom, koja promoviše efikasnu i efektivnu konverziju drveta, kako bi se obezbijedila održiva eksploatacija šuma u zemlji.http://www.agricultforest.ac.me/am201

Socio-economic factors influencing household dependence on forests and its implication for forest-based climate change interventions

In most African countries, forest-based climate change intervention initiatives such as the nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) and national adaptation programme of actions (NAPAs) are widely accepted. This is mainly due to the fact that they are relevant in addressing multiple challenges associated with rural development, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and sustainable forest management. However, there are concerns about the implications of strategic and practical steps taken in this context on forest-dependent communities. Thus, there is need to reconcile local socio-economic vulnerabilities and forestbased climate change intervention initiatives. In the current study, socio-economic factors influencing households’ dependence on forest resources and associated implications on climate change interventions were investigated. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 366 households from forest-based rural communities in Vhembe District of South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered to household heads in 21 villages. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyse the factors that influence household dependence on forest. The effects of household socioeconomic characteristics on households’ forest dependence influencing factor were determined using the binary logit model. Up to 97 % of the respondents depended on the forest resources predominantly because of low costs associated with using them. It was observed that socio-economic characteristics of households such as farm husbandry skills, years of residence (53-65) in the community and age of respondents (≤ 38-65) significantly (P < 0.05) influenced use of the forest resources. Thus, effectiveness and sustainability of forest-based climate change intervention initiatives can be promoted if the socio-economic conditions prevailing within households in areas next to forests are improved.The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the School of Postgraduate Forestry Programmes at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsfs202018-02-28hb2017Plant Production and Soil Scienc

Perception-based analysis of climate change effect on forest-based livelihood : the case of Vhembe District in South Africa

Forests are vulnerable to climate change and are also major sources of livelihood for many rural households in Africa. This study examines rural people’s perceptions of climate change impacts on forest-based livelihoods using rural communities of Vhembe District in South Africa as a case study. The study was based on the principles of perceived impact-based assessment, and sustainable livelihoods framework. Using the stratified proportionate random sampling procedure in combination with weighted Enumeration Area for the selected communities, 366 households were chosen and interviewed. Data analysis involved computing frequencies and conducting the Chi-square, binomial tests and binary logistic regression analysis. The respondents identified erratic rainfall, extreme temperature, extreme drought and flooding as key climatic events in their community. But not all identified key climatic events were perceived to constitute risk to forest products and forest-based livelihood. Only extreme drought was indicated to constitute risk to availability of forest products. In addition, the binary logistic regression showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the perceived risk of climate change to the availability of essential forest products across the three municipalities. Hence the need for forest development initiatives that target vulnerable forest products per community as a means of enhancing resilience of forest-based livelihood to climate change impacts in rural community development in South Africa.The National Research Foundation of South Africa (Grant UID: 82942) funded this research through the Innovation Doctoral Scholarship Program at the University of Pretoria.http://www.jamba.org.zaam2017Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI

Assessing forest-based rural communities' adaptive capacity and coping strategies for climate variability and change : the case of Vhembe district in South Africa

In this study, various coping strategies used by forest-based rural communities in Vhembe District of South Africa in response to climate variability and change challenges were investigated. The effect of community socio-demographic characteristics on the adaptive capacity and choice/effectiveness of coping strategies was examined. Household level data were collected from 366 respondents selected from 21 rural communities using the proportionate random sampling procedure. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyse the coping strategies. The effects of household and community socio-demographic characteristics on choice and effectiveness of coping strategies were determined using the binary logit model. It was observed that the respondents used diverse coping strategies, depending on the nature of climate variability and extreme weather events they were confronted with. Rainwater harvesting was the most popular strategy that the respondents in Makhado (90%), Mutale (96.3%), and Thulamela (50%) used to cope with erratic rainfall. Tree planting around houses and on farmland were the most popular strategies (90 100%) to counter the effects of extreme temperature. Furthermore, household and community demographic characteristics in particular education and skills levels, and forest products, institutional services and infrastructure available in the communities such as markets, and water supply facilities significantly (p&#0600.05) influenced the choice of households' coping strategies. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that efforts that enhance the household's capacity and community infrastructural development might be viable and sustainable ways of improving rural communities' resilience to climate change and variability challenges.Chidiebere Ofoegbu undertake this research as part of his Ph.D. in Forestry studies.The National Research Foundation of South Africa and South Africa Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL)(Grant UID: 82942) funded this research through the Forestry Postgraduate Programme at the University of Pretoria.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/envdevPlant Production and Soil Scienc

State of knowledge on UK agricultural peatlands for food production and the net zero transition

Agricultural peatlands are the most productive soils in the UK for the cultivation of many food crops. Historical drainage of peat for agriculture (i.e., cropland and managed grassland), without consideration of other associated environmental and climatic impacts, has resulted in a significant emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). There is a need to reduce GHG emissions without compromising the rural economy and jeopardizing food security in the UK to a greater extent than is currently being experienced. In March 2023, in a bid to identify alternative land management systems for agricultural peatlands to support the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050, a group of forty investigators met at a workshop convened by the AgriFood4NetZero Network+. The workshop reviewed the state of knowledge surrounding the Fens of Eastern England and their importance for food provision, the economy, cultural identity, and climate change mitigation. A broad consensus emerged for research into how GHG emissions from agricultural peatlands could be reduced, whether alternative farming methods, such as seasonal farming or paludiculture, would offer a solution, and how a localized approach for the Fens could be defined. The development of a holistic, inclusive, and plausible land use scenario that considers all aspects of ecosystem services provided by the Fens is urgently needed