Climate service literacy improved Dusabinema’s maize production

Farmers across the country have been for long driven by the traditional farming spirit when they used to start their farming activities at the first drop of rainfall and sow low quality seeds.

This practice could however result in meager produce as Janvière Dusabinema, a farmer from Hindiro sector in Ngororero district narrates.

"I used to face challenges of low production of maize, as I had not enough knowledge about climate change and seasonal forecast information. For the first rain fall, I could sow maize hoping that it was the right time to start planting season," says Dusabinema.

After being trained by CIAT on climate change and season forecast, she no longer rush to sow seeds without considering the climate information provided by Meteo Rwanda as she relies on its accuracy.

She says she was trained on how to plan for farming season and how to make the right choice of seeds in regard with the climate information in place.

"I could use a certain variety without even knowing how long it would last in the field. With the skills I gained from the trainings on climate change can now use the variety that fits the number of rainy days," says Dusabinema.

She says that she used to produce only 50 kilos of maize per one are while she expected 100 kilos, but now with climate service information based on season, for the agriculture season 2017 A, she knew that the expected rainfall in her region was not enough and she prepared her soil early. “Following the timely planting, I expect to get 120 kilos of maize per 1acre," she says.

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