Economic Benefits and Uses of Indigenous Seasonal Weather Forecasts in Zimbabwe

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

• Joseph Manzvera, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
• Kwabena Asomanin Anaman, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
• Akwasi Mensah-Bonsu, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
• Alfred Barimah, Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2024

Journal Name

Research on World Agricultural Economy

Abstract

This study presents a seminal contribution regarding the economic value of indigenous seasonal weather forecasts in Zimbabwe. Many farmers (58%) use indigenous seasonal weather forecasts to make maize farming decisions such as selecting suitable varieties. The main indicators used for indigenous seasonal weather forecasts are flowering and fruition of specific trees. Based on travel cost analysis, which incorporates a multi-purpose visit scenario, the study establishes the economic importance of indigenous seasonal weather forecasts with a consumer surplus of US$1,044 per year among the 290 farmers using the forecasts. There is therefore a need to integrate indigenous weather forecasts into national seasonal weather forecasting and disaster risk reduction systems to complement modern seasonal weather forecasts. Co-production of seasonal weather forecasts with farmers is proposed in this regard. This further calls for the need to digitally document, visualize, and disseminate indigenous seasonal weather forecast indicators to a wider audience to increase their use.

Keywords

Indigenous seasonal weather, Maize farmers, Travel cost, Co‑production, Zimbabwe

Grantee Name(s)

Joseph Manzvera

Type of Grant

DOCTAS (JIRA) – Carnegie Grant

Thematic Area

Food security and Agribusiness

Funding Statement

This research was supported by the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology‑ Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (PASET RSIF) PhD Scholarship and Carnegie Corporation of New York

Recommended Citation

Manzvera, J., Anaman, K. A., Mensah-Bonsu, A., & Barimah, A. (2024). Economic Benefits and Uses of Indigenous Seasonal Weather Forecasts in Zimbabwe. Research on World Agricultural Economy https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.124