Determinants of pastoralists’ use of indigenous knowledge and scientific forecasts in Rwenzori region, Western Uganda

Abstract

This paper discusses climate information use among pastoralists. This study investigated what factors influence pastoralists’ use of scientific forecasts (SF) and indigenous forecasts (IF). A household survey of 269 respondents was conducted in the Rwenzori region in Western Uganda. The results show that pastoralists who received scientific forecasts in local languages were more likely to use both SF and IF. Number of local cattle increased the likelihood using of both SF and IF, while owning lactating cows and farm size increased the likelihood of using IF only. Confidence in climate services can be increased by having regular effective dialogues with pastoralists and enhancing capacity among stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations and pastoralists’ organisations. Integrating indigenous forecasts into national meteorological systems should be explored.

Keywords

• Scientific forecasts
• Indigenous knowledge forecasts
• Climate information
• Onset and cessation
• Pastoralists
• Uganda