From forecast to farmer action: A pilot on rainy season onset forecasts and dissemination pathways

The workshop brought together government agencies, meteorological services, researchers, and private-sector partners to address the challenge of translating increasingly accurate climate forecasts into timely, localized, and actionable advisories for farmers. The discussions focused on new rainy season onset and sub-seasonal forecasting products, lessons from AI-powered advisory systems in India and Ethiopia, and practical mechanisms for forecasting dissemination during Kenya’s 2026 short rains season. Participants emphasized the need for collaborative partnerships, interoperable data systems, machine-readable forecast products, farmer-centered message design, and continuous validation through farmer feedback. The workshop resulted in the launch of a pilot initiative, the development of a climate information partnership framework, and commitments to measure success based on actual changes in farmer decision-making, with the ultimate goal of strengthening climate resilience and improving agricultural outcomes for smallholder farmers.