Digital and mobile-enabled services help herder’s skills in addressing climate Change

Abstract

The livestock sector in Senegal, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as droughts and extreme weather events. Climate information services (CIS) play a crucial role in enabling livestock farmers to adapt through climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices. This study examines the impact of CIS on knowledge, attitudes, and the use of climate-smart livestock practices in Senegal. Using a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) framework, data were collected from 800 livestock farmers in the Louga region through a randomized experiment. Results show that beneficiaries of CIS exhibited significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and the adoption of climate-smart livestock practices compared to non-beneficiaries. The findings underscore the effectiveness of CIS in facilitating behavioral change and highlight the need for broader dissemination to enhance adaptation across diverse farming communities. This study emphasizes CIS as a critical enabler for promoting sustainable livelihoods in the face of climate change.

Citation

Houessionon P, Hachim SS, Worou N, Thiaw M, Chan D, Wane A, Whitbread A. 2024. Access to Climate information services and use of climate smart livestock farming in Senegal. AICCRA Briefs. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA)

Authors

  • Houessionon, Prosper