Can climate information salvage livelihoods in arid and semiarid lands? : an evaluation of access, use and impact in Namibia

Abstract

The study evaluates the impact of climate information on adaptive capacity and food security. The survey of 653 households showed that half of the households receiving climate information rated it as insufficient for decision-making, and relied on traditional knowledge. The main channels were radio and farmer’s peers, but trust was low. Effective response to climate information for risk mitigation will require enhanced community awareness of available adaptive choices, development of market value chains, institutional support like extension services, and improvement of rural road and communication infrastructure.