Integrating indigenous knowledge in climate risk management to support community based adaptation : final technical report

Abstract

Name(s) of Researcher/Members of Research Team: Prof. Laban Ogallo, Dr. Gilbert Ouma, Prof. Achola Pala, Dr. Gordon Wayumba, Nganyi Core Group, Dr. Maria Onyango, Patricia Ochieng', Dr. Joseph R Mukabana, Samuel Mwangi, Mr. Joseph Mbeva, Mr. Peter Nyamenya, Albert Owino, Prof. Kasege, Dr. Bernard Abon'go, Prof. Walgio OrwaLocal communities have developed indicators to forecast climatic events. For instance, the nesting of birds high on trees or of crocodiles on high ground near rivers, are signals of likely flooding in Swaziland, while the appearance of frequent and many spider webs are signs of good rainfall in Tanzania. The research project demonstrates a crucial need for integrating indigenous knowledge (IK) with modern day climate forecasts to support the coping of rural communities in extreme climate variability and adaptation to climate change. Climate scientists agree that the IK information is useful in downscaling larger scale meteorological features to local conditions for useful application