Situational Analysis: participatory methods with farmers Gloria Otieno, Bioversity International Cotonou, 16-19th December 2015

Why ? Analyze with farmers what is happening in their local environment and their perceptions in relation to climate change. Document the effects of climate change Participatory evaluation of coping strategies, profile of their crop diversity. Analyze institutional dynamics in the farming community. Facilitate a participatory adaptation planning process with the community. Implementation of priority actions

step 1:Farmers’ perceptions on climate change

Perceptions influences risk assessment &risk assessment influences decisions

Possible indicators at farmer level Related to the weather Overall warming in the year Earlier beginning of the rainy season (s) Earlier beginning of summer Longer duration of summer Warmer winter Short duration of winter Less annual rainfall Rainfall has become unpredictable Rainfall has become heavier

Other possible indicators related to agriculture & indigenous knowledge Earlier flowering Earlier sprouting of shoots Earlier arrival of birds, ants, Some wild plant species are moving higher up the mountains or disappearing Some wild animals are moving higher up the mountains or disappearing Some crops can now be cultivated at higher altitudes Some crops can no longer be cultivated in the valley News weed species are coming up New pests and diseases are occurring in crops & livestock Some varieties no longer perform well and disappearing

Comparing actual perceptions with Meteorological data Trends Weather related shocks Corroborate information Significance????

Step 2: Analyzing risks and coping strategies Coping /Adaptation strategies Reduced yields Increased incidences of pests and disease Loss of genetic diversity Loss of livelihoods Food insecurity Switching to other crops Switching to other varieties Irrigation Early/late planting Switching to other livelihood activities eg labour, trade, crafts Food aid

Step 3: Analyzing crop and varietal Diversity: Four cell analysis (FCA) To measure the abundance (richness) and distribution (evenness) of local crop diversity To identify common, unique and rare/endangered varieties or species To understand and document reasons why each variety is in a dynamic state within  a community and to enhance knowledge for potential intervention

Method: Focus Group discussion Gender disaggregated and can be done at varietal level

Step 4: Ranking farmers’ varieties Based on farmers’ own ranking of traits Early maturity Drought resistance Cooking time Taste Yield ***marketability

Scoring/Ranking Matrix for Rice Varieties with Associated Traits at Tentulipar Village, Jeypore)

Step 5: Who are the stakeholders? Identify relationships between stakeholders working in the communities In context of resilience – organizations providing improved seed, or varietal testing or agricultural extension Services eg credit **** helps to select partners for adaptation

Step 6 :Adaptation planning A combination of decisions based on all of the above steps Based on this week’s training

Reference Sites and crops Bonou - Maize Tori - Cassava