Participatory Development of Agro-Climate Advisories in Cambodia

Abstract

Agro-climate information services (ACIS) have the potential to facilitate adaptation among farmers, if they are actionable. An actionable ACIS provides useful and timely information, is accessible and understandable. This study assessed the potential for ACIS in the context of smallholder farming communities in Ratanakiri. PRAs, FGDs and interviews were combined to analyze the current situation, then different design options were developed and tested participatory. The cropping systems in Ratanakiri are highly dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns. The Perception of seasonal climate conditions vary among the population and are related to the experience of specific impacts. Currently, most farmers do not use climate information systematically in their decision processes. Barriers are the access, availability and the capacity to understand climate information. The ability to carry out desired actions is constrained by access to labor, land, technology and financial capital. Future climate change is likely to have adverse impacts on smallholder agricultural production in the area. The results suggest, that end-users have different capacities to access, understand and act on climate information. Socio-economic factors like gender, age and wealth influence these capacities. The design of agro-climate advisories requires a conscious balancing of trade-offs. Future research is needed to identify synergies that could arise from integrating ACIS with a wider system of extension services