Participatory climate information services benefitting over 105,000 farmers in Rwanda
Through a CCAFS-led effort to scale up participatory training on climate services in Rwanda, around 105,000 Rwandan farmers were trained on accessing, understanding and using climate services. The approach involved training trainers, filling gaps in climate service records and developing online map tools. An initial evaluation suggests a significant multiplier effect: each trained farmer shared their new knowledge with approximately 13 of their peers. Moreover, farmers are using the information they acquired: 85% of farmers participating in the training changed their practices thereafter.
The project received attention beyond Rwanda. In May 2018, the project received the first Climate Smart Agriculture Project of the Year Award. The award was based on a variety of factors, including creative approach to solving real challenges; proven impact and ability to demonstrate environmental, climate, social and economic impact; longevity of the project; and potential for self-sufficiency. Read more on the award in this press release.
The approach CCAFS followed emphasizes a lasting impact. As of August 2018, CCAFS partners had trained 1,612 governmental staff and volunteer promoters, and supported them to in turn provide training and support to the farmers. The preparation of staff and promoters specifically emphasized gender as a principal consideration: efforts focused on building capacity to understand climate service needs of women farmers, and to deliver services that meet their needs effectively.
Further reading
Project partners
University of Reading, The Earth Institute - Columbia University. IRI, USAID, CIAT, ILRI, ICRAF, Meteo Rwanda, Rwanda Agricultural Board, Post-Harvest and Agribusiness Support Project (PASP), Radio Huguka, Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Caritas Kibungo, Caritas Kibuye, Caritas Butare, Developpement Rural du Nord (DERN), IFAD Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme, Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa (WISER) Programme, DFID, USAID/Rwanda
