The effect of climate information in pastoralists’ adaptation to climate change: A case study of Rwenzori region, Western Uganda

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of using indigenous forecasts (IFs) and scientific forecasts (SFs) on pastoralists’ adaptation methods in Rwenzori region, Western Uganda.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a household survey from 270 pastoralists and focus group discussions. The multivariate probit model was used in the analysis.FindingsThe results revealed that pastoralists using of IF only more likely to be non-farm enterprises and livestock sales as adaptation strategies. Pastoralists using both SF and IF were more likely to practise livestock migration.Research limitations/implicationsOther factors found to be important included land ownership, land tenure, gender, education level, non-farm and productive assets, climate-related risks and agricultural extension access.Practical implicationsIncreasing the number of weather stations in pastoral areas would increase the predictive accuracy of scientific climate information, which results in better adaptive capacity of pastoralists. Active participation of pastoral households in national meteorological dissemination processes should be explored.Social implicationsA two-prong approach that supports both mobile and sedentary pastoralism should be adopted in rangeland development policies.Originality/valueThis study has shown the relevance of IFs in climate change adaptation methods of pastoralists. It has also shown that IFs compliment SFs in climate change adaptation in pastoralism.