Harnessing diverse knowledge and belief systems to adapt to climate change in semi-arid rural Africa

This study in Bobirwa subdistrict in Botswana investigates the role of traditional norms and religious beliefs in the use of place-based and national meteorological forecasting to inform adaptative behaviour. Results show farmers use diverse combinations of sources of information. As well, some religious beliefs and traditional norms prevent the use of national meteorological forecasts. To enable more successful adaptation, climate information needs to integrate place-based and national meteorological information. Recommendations on appropriate agricultural practices can be developed together with, and disseminated through traditional and religious leaders.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID