Research on World Agricultural Economy

Economic Benefits and Uses of Indigenous Seasonal Weather Forecasts in Zimbabwe

Joseph Manzvera

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P. O. Box LG 68, Ghana

Kwabena Asomanin Anaman

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P. O. Box LG 68, Ghana

Akwasi Mensah-Bonsu

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P. O. Box LG 68, Ghana

Alfred Barimah

Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P. O. Box LG 68, Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i4.1240

Received: 15 August 2024 | Revised: 2 September 2024 | Accepted: 3 September 2024 | Published Online: 15 October 2024

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Abstract

This study presents a seminal contribution regarding the economic value of indigenous seasonal weather forecasts in Zimbabwe. Many farmers (58%) use indigenous seasonal weather forecasts to make maize farming decisions such as selecting suitable varieties. The main indicators used for indigenous seasonal weather forecasts are flowering and fruition of specific trees. Based on travel cost analysis, which incorporates a multi-purpose visit scenario, the study establishes the economic importance of indigenous seasonal weather forecasts with a consumer surplus of US$1,044 per year among the 290 farmers using the forecasts. There is therefore a need to integrate indigenous weather forecasts into national seasonal weather forecasting and disaster risk reduction systems to complement modern seasonal weather forecasts. Co-production of seasonal weather forecasts with farmers is proposed in this regard. This further calls for the need to digitally document, visualize, and disseminate indigenous seasonal weather forecast indicators to a wider audience to increase their use.

Keywords: Indigenous seasonal weather; Maize farmers; Travel cost; Co‑production; Zimbabwe

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