Issues and Challenges from Case Studies: Synthesis of Discussions

Observations on Case Studies Case studies have demonstrated interests of farmers (most case studies done wqith farmers (e.g. India, Philippines) Case studies cover a suite of crops (e.g. rice, corn, peanuts, sorghum, etc.) Different users (farmers, extension workers, planners) Need to show benefits (gains and advantages) of the use of climate information.

Climate Science and Methods Accuracy and reliability of climate forecasts Prediction issues (synthesizing predictability by region) Methodological issues e.g. downscaling; determining onset of rains, amount, distribution needed by farmers)

Decisions and Applications Planting dates Crop combination or mix Water management

Climate Forecast Dissemination In terms of what the different users may understand or relate to (probabilities; terciles?) Localized i.e. downscaling of climate forecasts Medium of dissemination (media?) Who will prepare the forecasts for dissemination

Climate Forecast Dissemination (2) Not use El Nino or La Nina (wet, dry episodes, etc?) Information on climate forecasts should be used with other information such as weather forecast as time nears the start of cropping season. Capacity building of farmers (e.g. Farmers Training Schools in India; Other users???) Contingency plans and safety nets when forecasts failed e.g. crop insurance)

Whats Next? Sustaining the Network CLIMAG Network???

Objectives of the Network Promote active cooperation among members (e.g. databases, methodologies, proposal development) Promote linkage between climate research and agricultural research Capacity building – expand the network to involve other disciplines (e.g. ag. econ, sociologists, development communications specialists) Facilitate access to or souring of research funds.

How to Proceed? Working Group Proposal Writing (collaborative research) ??? --- Suggestions?