Promoting the integration of indigenous knowledge 

 New Policy Brief of the Climate Action Network Tanzania shows :

Indigenous knowledge can enhance climate resilience in Tanzania

 Policy Brief advocate for integration of indigenous knowledge

The Climate Action Network Tanzania (CAN-TZ) released a policy brief that empathize the importance of Climate Services (CS) and how integration indigenous knowledge (IK) can enhance Climate Services (CS) to strengthen climate resilience of communities in Tanzania. The policy brief was developed by the Tanzanian Coalition for Climate Services (TCCS). The policy brief urges climate service actors to integrate IK for enhanced CS by establishing IK forecast groups, consensus –based forecasts and local climate information flow systems.ilient mm

“Indigenous knowledge is a valuable resource for adaptation in Tanzania. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into Climate Services enhance Climate Resilience of local communities.”

Mkombozi Joannes, Head of Research

 Level-Up Climate Services:

Climate Services and Indigenous Knowledge on weather forecasting

Climate Services  (CS) increase the climate resilience of communities. Climate Services are not yet area-specific enough to be useful to inform smallholders making climate smart adaptation decision.

Integrating IK forecasts into CS can increase useability ( timely , area specific ,reliability CS ) of CS.  There is a threat for IK to disappear. Strategies and Polices to protect and conserve IK are needed. In the Policy Brief CAN TZ present way-forward how policymaker and stakeholder can level-up Climate Services in Tanzania by integrating Indigenous Knowledge.

 Background Climate Services

Changing climate and unpredictable local weather patterns make it challenging to make smart decisions as farmer, fisher and pastoralist. Therefore, smallholders need the best available knowledge as reliable climate information basis for decision-making on their livelihood activities. Climate Service provide smallholders with the information and resources to make climate-informed decision and inform adaptation activities. Climate Services are a foundation for communities to strengthen climate resilience.

Background Indigenous knowledge

Traditional  weather forecasting  based on Indigenous knowledge (IK) normally uses specific indicators for specific weather and climatic events. The local weather is assessed and predicted by observing indicators like birds, animals, insects, stars and wind . The indicators are interpreted by indigenous knowledgeholders mainly elders. Based on their experience the  IK knowledge holder interpret the signs to predict upcoming weather conditions for the local community. This helps smallholders to plan their livelihood activities by providing a easy and reliable basis of information.

THE POLICY BRIEF  WAS DEVELOPED IN SCOPE OF A PROJECT FUNDED BY BREAD FOR THE WORLD.