Improving Applications of Forecasts, Advisories and Agrometeorological Products ETWCF Meeting Abdoulaye Harou Environment Canada Geneva Nov 2004

Outline Results of a Questionnaire in RA IV –Analysis –Forecasts –Advisories –Raw weather and Climate Data –Communications –General findings Summary of recommendations the Barbedos workshop on Improving Ag Bulletins Challenges in Improving Application of AgMet info by Farmers Canadian effort

RA IV Questionnaire Significant differences from North to South (Re$ource$) Data analysis done by most Ag/Met organizations (ie WWCB in US and Belize and Boetin Agrometeorologico decadico in Salvador)

RA IV Questionnaire Significant differences from North to South Data analysis done by most countries (ie WWCB in US & Belize and Boetin Agrometeorologico decadico in Salvador) Forecasts, short (up to 48hr) and extended (up to 10 days), provided by most countries (North & Central America) Advisories for drought or flood issued by almost all countries

RA IV Questionnaire Significant differences from North to South Data analysis done by most countries (ie WWCB in US and Belize and Boetin Agrometeorologico decadico in Salvador) Forecasts, short (up to 48hr) and extended (up to 10 days), provided by most Countries (North & Central America) Advisories for drought or flood issued by almost all countries. Flash flood and storm warnings issued by all Raw Weather and climate data provided (Temp, PCPN, Soil moisture) Communication through Internet, TV & Radio in the North and Central America. TV, Radio and extension agents in Caribbean Countries

RA IV Questionnaire General Findings Caribbean –Agromet services generally inexistent in Caribbean Countries – Met and Ag belong to # Ministries… minimum contact –Inadequate observing networks –Lack of trained staff to improve links with users –Clients unwilling to accept correlation between heat/humidity and spread of pests and crop diseases Central America –Countries working together through quarterly forum for the improvement of wx and climate information –Need accurate climate prediction system (drought) –Need improved monitoring networks –Good relation with agencies dealing directly with farmers (training,evaluation of products and services) –Need to develop a drought alert system (Similar to the North America Drought Monitor)

RA IV Questionnaire General Findings US & Canada –Many players (Feds, States/Provinces/Univeristies, Private sector) –Highly mechanized Ag, educated farmers –Outreach under development in Canada, well established in the US –Various Ministries/depts establish MOU to ensure cooperation –Need to set up a system for technology transfer…from laboratories to operation.

Recommendations of the Barbados Workshop The Barbados workshop provided recommendations on WHAT is needed to improve Agricultural information to farmers… it did not deal with the HOW to get farmers to accept and use the information. –Need of increased Resources (HR, Financial) –Need better inter-institutional collaboration –Keep a close contact with users to better assess and respond to their needs –Need concerted effort to improve obs networks –Need to build phenological data base for key crops, fruit trees, pests and forest species –National crop calendar need to be developed in coordination with Ag agencies –Need to develop early warning systems for crop and livestock protection

Challenges in Improving Application of AgMet info by Farmers Paradigm shift – moving from data to timely understandable information for farmers: Need to translate information into the user language Understand users management decision and obtain systematic feedback on products relevance Share information on best practices (e.g. network of village advisors in Hungary) Getting the Media on our side

We have the capacity to develop all kind of neat products for users Unless we address the user understanding and needs will be going nowhere

What is Canada doing?

MOU between Ministries Ag/Env Co-location of a new National Agroclimatic Information Service (Ag) and a new National Agriculture Service Office (EC) 40 new EC outreach officers to build linkages with users of meteorological information These two offices are located in the Regina in the heart of the Agricultural land – will jointly address user requirements Planned regular forum of Farmers, Agriculturists, Meteorologists National Media Service Office Vision – Clients focused services through Outreach and consultation

Thank you for your attention!