Empowering Vulnerable Livelihoods’ Climate Resilience Capacities with Climate Information

Livingstone Byandaga – TESF RW04 Project-Rwanda; Senior Research Analyst for Climate Action Projects: Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Rwanda

Patrick Gatsinzi – TESF RW04 Project-Rwanda; Lecturer, Arts and Educational Sciences, and Associate Quality Assurance Director: Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA), Kigali

Email: byandaga@cgiar.org/ gatsinzipatrick@yahoo.com

Abstract: Climate change remains a critical global challenge, disproportionately affecting livelihoods in less developed countries that rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture. Climate Information Services (CIS) have been identified as an important mechanism for enhancing community resilience to climate-related shocks. This study examined farmers’ understanding of climate change and environmental policies, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CIS, and the capacities required to strengthen resilience in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. A mixed-methods approach was applied, involving 377 participants selected from Rwimiyaga and Rwempasha Sectors of Nyagatare District. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed through descriptive and thematic techniques. Findings revealed that farmers were generally knowledgeable about climate change and related policies. Major reported effects included droughts, prolonged dry spells, hailstorms, and windstorms. Access to CIS was reported by 87.5% of respondents, mainly through radio (52%) and television (14%), with 97% rating the information as relevant. CIS was primarily used to predict the onset of farming seasons, although only 10% expressed full trust in the information. Key capacities identified for improving resilience included improved access to CIS, training in CIS interpretation and application, provision of irrigation water and infrastructure, access to drought-resistant seeds, pest control measures, and tree planting materials. The study concludes that strengthening CIS delivery and farmer capacity is critical to enhancing resilience. It recommends the design and implementation of comprehensive CIS capacity-building programs, coupled with improved access to irrigation resources, as pathways to adaptive and sustainable livelihoods.