Ethno-meteorology and scientific weather forecasting: Small farmers and scientists’ perspectives on climate variability in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

A significant increase in annual rainfall and rain days, alongside a reduction in dry spell duration, has been observed in the Okavango Delta over the past decade. However, rising temperatures are concurrently increasing potential evaporation, posing challenges for agricultural production. Farmers' ability to anticipate weather changes through ethno-meteorological knowledge allows them to adjust farming practices effectively. The study analyzed satellite rainfall data and climate services records while surveying 592 households and 19 scientists across eight communities. Findings revealed that farmers' age, education, farming experience, and access to weather information significantly influence their perceptions of both local and scientific weather knowledge. While there is a notable disparity between farmers' and scientists' views on the nature of this knowledge, the integration of ethno-meteorological insights with scientific forecasting emerges as a crucial adaptation strategy for climate variability.

Kolawole, O. D., Wolski, P., Ngwenya, B., & Mmopelwa, G. (2014). Ethno-meteorology and scientific weather forecasting: Small farmers and scientists’ perspectives on climate variability in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Climate Risk Management, 4-5, 43–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2014.08.002