January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 0 Issa Ouedraogo, Ndeye Amy Kebe, Serigne Fall, Babacar Seck January 2025 CGIAR Initiative on Livestock and Climate Policy brief Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 1 Contents Abstract ............................................................................................. 3 Introduction ...................................................................................... 3 Methodology .................................................................................... 4 1. Profiling of target people and dissemination of livestock CIS .. 4 2. Evaluation of the use of livestock climate information ............. 4 Key results......................................................................................... 5 1. Profiling Pastoralists Across Target Regions ............................ 5 2. Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS): Dissemination and Relevance ................................................................................... 6 3. Access to livestock CIS ............................................................ 6 4. Evaluation of Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS) Usage 8 5. Level of satisfaction ................................................................ 9 6. Assessment of Climate Information and Agropastoral Advice Sharing ............................................................................................ 10 7. Evaluation of Climate and Pastoral Information Content ....... 10 8. Beneficiaries' Perceptions of Climate Forecasts .................... 11 9. Perception of the utility of CIS by Agro-Pastoralists .............. 12 10. Impact of Climate Information on Reducing Risks and Losses 13 11. Beneficiaries' Interest in the Continuity of Climate Information Alerts 13 Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................. 14 January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 2 Issa Ouedraogo, Ndeye Amy Kebe, Serigne Fall, Babacar Seck January 2025 CGIAR Initiative on Livestock and Climate Technical Report Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 3 Abstract The assessment of use of the Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS) was done in four regions in Senegal to retrieve feedback from users to improve the delivery system. The survey revealed its significant impact on improving decision-making, reducing risks, and enhancing resilience among agro-pastoralists. The assessment Jokalante disseminated timely, actionable climate and agropastoral information through channels such as SMS, IVR, and community radio broadcasts. The services were widely adopted, with 90% of beneficiaries utilizing the information to optimize agricultural and livestock activities, safeguard resources, and mitigate losses. A notable 81% of respondents credited the information with preventing losses, while 99% expressed strong interest in continued access to these services, reflecting their perceived value. However, challenges such as message comprehension and financial sustainability were identified, underscoring the need for refinements in delivery methods and engagement strategies. Recommendations include enhancing communication accessibility, expanding dissemination channels, and fostering financial sustainability through collaborative models and targeted awareness campaigns. This assessment highlights the transformative potential of climate information services in fostering resilience, optimizing resource management, and supporting sustainable development in vulnerable pastoralist communities. Introduction Pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in Senegal are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of high climate variability, which disrupts their livelihoods, affects livestock productivity, and undermines their overall resilience. With unpredictable weather patterns exacerbating water scarcity, forage availability, and livestock health, these communities require effective tools to mitigate risks and adapt to changing conditions. Timely access to relevant climate information is a critical enabler for informed decision-making and sustainable resource management in these contexts. In response to these challenges, the Livestock and Climate Initiative in Senegal implemented targeted activities to support pastoralists in the regions of Linguère, Ranérou, Koungheul, and Koumpentoum. The initiative focused on establishing a robust and accessible system for delivering real-time climate information and actionable advice tailored to the specific needs of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. A central innovation of this effort was the deployment of voice messaging services in local languages, ensuring cultural relevance and accessibility for communities with limited literacy. This approach minimizes risks associated with climate variability while empowering pastoralists to make informed decisions. Collaboration with the Multidisciplinary Working Group (MWG) was a cornerstone of the initiative. The MWG provided critical agrometeorological and pastoral advice through bi-monthly bulletins, which were further disseminated to pastoralists via digital and community-based platforms. Recognizing the influence of local media, the initiative also strengthened partnerships with community radio stations. These trusted outlets played a pivotal role in addressing climate change and livestock-related issues, enhancing the reach and impact of the disseminated information. The initiative's overarching goal was to empower pastoralist communities with actionable insights that foster resilience, improve livestock management, and reduce vulnerabilities to climate shocks. By leveraging innovative communication methods, fostering local partnerships, and building sustainable information systems, this project laid the groundwork for improved decision-making and livelihood security in Senegal’s pastoral zones. This report evaluates the use and effectiveness of livestock climate information systems deployed in Linguère, Ranérou, Koungheul, and Koumpentoum during the 2024 seasonal campaign. It aims to assess how these efforts contributed to building adaptive capacity, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable practices among Senegalese pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 4 Methodology 1. Profiling of target people and dissemination of livestock CIS To better target agro-pastoralists in the dissemination of information and advice, conducting a comprehensive profiling survey is deemed essential. This survey enables the collection of critical data, such as the geographical location of the target audience, their preferred or spoken language, and other demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Understanding these factors is crucial for tailoring the communication methods and ensuring that the information provided is both accessible and relevant to the audience. The profiling survey also helps to identify specific needs, challenges, and priorities faced by agro-pastoralists in different regions. For example, it can reveal variations in climate vulnerabilities, access to resources such as water and grazing land, and the types of livestock and crops managed by the communities. Additionally, this data can inform the development of localized strategies, such as designing voice messages in dialects commonly spoken in particular areas or delivering content through communication channels that are widely trusted and accessible, like community radios or mobile platforms. Moreover, the survey facilitates segmentation of the target audience, allowing stakeholders to design targeted interventions that address the unique circumstances of different groups. For instance, agro-pastoralists in more remote areas may require more frequent updates via radio, while those in semi-urban areas might benefit from SMS or digital services. This tailored approach ensures that the advice and climate information disseminated are not only accurate but also actionable, increasing the likelihood of adoption and positive outcomes. By integrating these insights into the planning and implementation of dissemination efforts, the profiling survey becomes a fundamental tool for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of climate information services, ultimately supporting agro-pastoralists in building resilience and improving their livelihoods. 2. Evaluation of the use of livestock climate information The objective of this evaluation is multifaceted and seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the effectiveness and impact of climate and pastoral information dissemination systems on agro-pastoralist communities. Specifically, the evaluation aims to: • Analyze the Perception of Beneficiaries Regarding the Channels of Information Reception: this involves assessing how agro-pastoralists perceive the various communication channels used to deliver climatic and pastoral information, such as voice messages, SMS, community radios, and other digital platforms. The evaluation explored factors such as accessibility, clarity, reliability, and user-friendliness of these channels. It also aimed to identify preferences among the beneficiaries, uncovering which channels they find most effective and why. Understanding these perceptions will help refine the dissemination strategies to better meet the needs of the target audience. • Examine the Types of Decisions Made by Farmers Based on the Received Information and Highlight the Effects of the Advice: this aspect focuses on studying how farmers and pastoralists utilized the information provided to make decisions related to their agricultural and livestock management practices. It seeks to document the types of actions taken, such as adjustments in grazing patterns, water use, livestock care, or crop planting schedules, and evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of these decisions. The evaluation also highlighted success stories, challenges January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 5 faced by beneficiaries in implementing the advice, and the tangible outcomes resulting from their actions. This includes examining improvements in productivity, resource management, risk reduction, and overall resilience to climate variability. By achieving these objectives, the evaluation provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current dissemination strategies and the real-world impacts of climate and pastoral information on the livelihoods of agro-pastoralists. The findings will guide the refinement of future initiatives, ensuring that information services are better aligned with the needs and expectations of beneficiaries, ultimately enhancing their adaptive capacity and resilience to climate challenges. Key results 1. Profiling Pastoralists Across Target Regions A total of 1,517 pastoralists were profiled as part of the initiative, with a gender distribution of 65% male and 35% female, reflecting an inclusive approach to capturing the demographic diversity of these communities. The profiling effort aimed to gather critical information on pastoralists' locations, practices, and needs to better tailor climate information services to their specific contexts. Regionally, the distribution of the profiled pastoralists highlights variations in the concentration of beneficiaries. Approximately 43% of the individuals are from Ranérou, indicating its significant representation among the target areas. Linguère follows with 31% of the profiled individuals, underscoring its importance as a hub for pastoral activities. Koungheul accounts for 15% of the total, while Koumpentoum represents 11%, collectively contributing to the reach and diversity of the profiling effort (Table 1). This distribution provides valuable insights into regional priorities and the scale of intervention needed in each area. For instance, the high percentage of pastoralists in Ranérou and Linguère suggests a greater concentration of livestock activities, potentially requiring more focused dissemination efforts for climate information and pastoral advice in these regions. Conversely, the relatively lower representation in Koungheul and Koumpentoum may indicate the need for targeted outreach strategies to engage and integrate more pastoralists from these areas into the initiative. The profiling process not only captures geographical and demographic data but also lays the groundwork for a more tailored and impactful delivery of climate information services. By understanding the regional distribution and characteristics of the pastoralists, stakeholders can better allocate resources, design localized interventions, and ensure that the information and advice provided are relevant and actionable for each community. This comprehensive approach reinforces the project's commitment to enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacity of pastoralists across all target regions. Table 1. Number of pastoralists profiled Department Absolute value Proportion Ranérou 648 43% Linguère 474 31% Koumpentoum 169 11% Koungheul 226 15% Total 1517 100% January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 6 2. Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS): Dissemination and Relevance The Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS) are designed to provide critical and timely updates to pastoralists and agro-pastoralists through diverse communication channels such as SMS, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, and community radios. These services focus on addressing key climate-related challenges that significantly impact livestock management and pastoral livelihoods, offering actionable insights tailored to local needs. • Rainfall Hazards and Weather Monitoring: One of the core components of the CIS is the dissemination of rainfall-related information. This includes updates on rain occurrence, the onset of the rainy season, false starts, dry spells, rainfall deficits, and the offset of rains. By receiving this information in real time, pastoralists can plan grazing and water access for their livestock more effectively, reducing the risks associated with unpredictable rainfall patterns. Additionally, alerts on extreme weather events such as sandstorms, heavy temperatures, and off-season rains enable communities to take precautionary measures to safeguard their livestock and resources. • Forage and Water Availability: The monitoring of forage availability throughout the year is another critical aspect of the CIS. Pastoralists receive updates on the quantity and quality of forage in different regions, allowing them to make informed decisions about grazing locations. Similarly, the service provides information on the availability of water in boreholes and ponds, ensuring that pastoralists can effectively plan livestock movement and avoid areas with insufficient water resources. These updates are crucial during the dry season when water and forage are scarce, helping to prevent overgrazing and reduce livestock mortality. • Bush Fire Monitoring: In addition to rainfall and forage monitoring, the CIS includes updates on the occurrence and spread of bushfires, which pose significant risks to both pasturelands and livestock. By alerting communities to potential fire hazards, the system helps mitigate damage and supports timely interventions to protect resources and livelihoods. By addressing these critical areas, the livestock CIS enhances the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Through the use of accessible communication channels, the service ensures that pastoralists receive relevant and actionable information, empowering them to adapt to climate variability and improve the sustainability of their livelihoods. 3. Access to livestock CIS A total of 1,138 targets received climate information and advice. The 379 newly profiled targets were not able to benefit from this information due to their recent integration into the database (Table 2). A total of 1,138 individuals or groups, referred to as targets, received climate information and tailored advice as part of the dissemination efforts. This group represents the beneficiaries who were actively engaged with the system and had access to crucial climate and pastoral information to support their decision-making processes. However, it is important to note that an additional 379 newly profiled targets were unable to benefit from this information during the reporting period. This was due to their recent integration into the system’s database, which occurred after the primary dissemination activities had already been implemented. As a January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 7 result, these individuals or groups did not receive the timely information and advice necessary to make informed decisions about their agricultural or pastoral practices during the evaluation period. The inclusion of these newly profiled targets highlights the ongoing efforts to expand the reach and inclusivity of the climate information dissemination system. Their delayed access underscores the importance of continuously updating the database and ensuring that all newly integrated beneficiaries are promptly included in dissemination cycles. Table 2 and 3 provide a detailed breakdown of these figures, illustrating the overall scope of the initiative while identifying areas for improvement in ensuring comprehensive coverage for all profiled beneficiaries. This insight is crucial for refining future dissemination processes and ensuring that no target is left behind in accessing critical climate and pastoral information. Table 2: access to livestock per regions Man Wife Total Department Target Achieved % Target Achieved % Target Achieved % LINGUÈRE 234 220 94% 225 225 100% 459 445 97% KOUNGHEUL 179 176 98% 45 40 89% 224 216 96% RANEROU 187 179 96% 109 101 93% 296 280 95% KUMPENTOUM 145 139 96% 14 13 93% 159 152 96% TOTAL 745 714 96% 393 379 96% 1138 1093 96% Table 3: number of message disseminated through SMS and IVR Sexe Nombre Homme 7 304 Femme 3 656 Total 10 960 In addition to the dissemination of Climate Information Services (CIS) via SMS and Interactive Voice Response (IVR), CIS was also broadcast live on local radio stations. This platform not only expanded the accessibility of critical climate and pastoral information but also provided an interactive space for in-depth discussions. Guests, including technicians and experts in agrometeorology, pastoralism, and natural resource management, were invited to participate in these programs, sharing their specialized knowledge and addressing themes specifically tailored to the local context. To ensure that the broadcasts were both informative and engaging, pre-established threads guided the discussions. These threads structured the programs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of topics while allowing flexibility for listeners to participate actively. Listeners could ask questions live, enabling experts to provide personalized advice and clarify concerns, thereby fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and practical solutions. The selection of radio stations was strategic, based on their wide coverage and ability to reach key target audiences. By combining technical dissemination data with demographic insights provided by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD), the broadcasts were estimated to have the potential to reach approximately 895,025 people across the regions (Table 4). This extensive reach underscores the critical role of community radios in bridging the gap between technical information and the pastoral communities who depend on it. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 8 By leveraging radio as an additional dissemination channel, the initiative not only broadened its audience but also enriched the quality of information delivery. The inclusion of live expert commentary and real-time interaction transformed the broadcasts into a vital resource for pastoralists, empowering them with actionable insights to navigate climate variability and manage their resources more effectively. This integrated approach highlights the importance of utilizing diverse media channels to maximize the impact of climate information services. Table 4: audience from the radios RADIOS Hommes Femme Total RTS TAMBA 76 874 75 539 152 413 RTS LOUGA 367 483 375 129 742 612 RTS MATAM - - Total 444 357 450 668 895 025 4. Evaluation of Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS) Usage To assess the effectiveness and usage of Livestock Climate Information Services (CIS), an evaluation was conducted with 259 respondents from the target regions. The evaluation employed a structured questionnaire designed to gather insights into how pastoralists accessed and utilized the CIS, the perceived relevance and reliability of the information provided, and its impact on their decision-making processes. The respondents were selected to represent a diverse cross-section of pastoralists and agro- pastoralists across the four focus regions: Ranérou, Linguère, Koungheul, and Koumpentoum. This regional representation was crucial to ensure that the evaluation captured varying experiences, challenges, and outcomes related to the use of CIS in different geographic and socio-economic contexts. The distribution of respondents per region is illustrated in Figure 1 below, highlighting the proportionate participation from each area. This data provides a foundational understanding of regional engagement levels and the reach of CIS dissemination efforts. Such information is instrumental in identifying gaps, tailoring future dissemination strategies, and ensuring that the services address the specific needs of pastoralists in all regions effectively. By collecting feedback directly from users, the evaluation aims to generate actionable insights that will inform the refinement and scaling of CIS, ultimately enhancing its impact on resilience and sustainability in Senegal’s pastoral communities. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 9 Figure 1. Distribution of the respondents 5. Level of satisfaction Figure 2 below highlights that 69% of respondents rated the alert dissemination channel as "very satisfactory," while 24% considered it "satisfactory." This positive feedback is largely attributed to the clarity of the messages and their delivery in the local language, Pulaar, which resonates deeply with the recipients. For instance, an agro-pastoralist from the Koumpentoum department, specifically in the commune of Ndame village Fass Gounass, expressed appreciation for the project, stating: "The project is very important because when I call, I can speak in Pulaar, our mother tongue. The information provided is relevant and useful. For example, one day I received a call informing me of expected rains in the coming days. I had planned to plough my field, but thanks to this alert, I decided against it. Ploughing before rain would have allowed grasses to survive, so this decision saved me both time and resources." This anecdote underscores the importance of delivering forecasts in local languages to ensure accessibility and enable informed decision-making. Communicating in a familiar language not only enhances understanding but also builds trust between the project and its beneficiaries. However, 7% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the alert channel, citing the rapid delivery of messages as a challenge. This issue made it difficult for some recipients to fully grasp and process the information provided. Addressing this feedback by adjusting the pace and structure of messages could further improve the effectiveness of the communication system, ensuring that all recipients benefit equally from the service. The results reaffirm the critical role of culturally and linguistically tailored communication in fostering engagement and enhancing the impact of climate information services for agro- pastoralists. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 10 Figure 2. Level of satisfaction by CIS users 6. Assessment of Climate Information and Agropastoral Advice Sharing Evaluating the extent to which beneficiaries share climate information and agropastoral advice provides valuable insights into the dissemination and impact of these messages within communities. The graph below illustrates the proportions of surveyed targets, distinguishing between those who actively share the information and those who do not. The findings reveal that an impressive 96% of the surveyed targets share the information and advice they receive. This high rate of sharing demonstrates the strong community networks and the perceived value of the information provided. The primary recipients of these shared messages include family members, fellow farmers, and neighbors, highlighting the communal nature of information exchange in rural areas. On average, each recipient of a voice message forwards the information to 22 other individuals. This indicates a significant multiplier effect, where a single message reaches a broader audience beyond the initial target. Such widespread sharing amplifies the impact of the climate information services, ensuring that more people in the community benefit from timely and relevant advice. These results underscore the importance of providing clear, actionable, and culturally relevant messages, as they are not only well-received but also actively disseminated within communities. This organic sharing network enhances the reach and effectiveness of climate information services, contributing to better-informed decision-making and improved resilience among agro- pastoralist populations. 7. Evaluation of Climate and Pastoral Information Content January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 11 The assessment of the content of climate and pastoral information provides valuable insights into how beneficiaries perceive its usefulness. The accompanying graph presents the feedback provided by the surveyed targets, highlighting their evaluation of the information received. The analysis reveals overwhelmingly positive feedback from the beneficiaries. Specifically, 80% of respondents rated the information as "very useful," while the remaining 20% considered it "useful." These results underscore the high value placed on the initiative by the agro-pastoralist communities. Respondents who rated the content as "very useful" or "useful" cited several reasons for their positive evaluations. Many highlighted how the information helped them better plan key agro- pastoral activities, such as scheduling grazing, securing water sources, or protecting livestock from potential risks. Additionally, the information was noted to have benefits beyond traditional agro-pastoral activities, such as enhancing the safety and well-being of their families. For instance, a breeder from Lour Escale in Koungheul shared a compelling example of the practical benefits of the information: "the information you provided has helped me save many kids (goat offspring). On a Monday, after receiving a forecast for heavy rain, I instructed my children, who were not far away, to return home immediately. As expected, the rain came, and we were able to protect the animals." This anecdote illustrates the tangible impact of timely and accurate climate information, which not only supports livestock protection but also helps families make informed decisions to safeguard their livelihoods and resources. The overwhelmingly positive reception of the climate and pastoral information highlights the importance of continuing to deliver clear, actionable, and context-specific advice to agro- pastoralist communities. These insights reaffirm the critical role of such initiatives in improving resilience, planning, and overall well-being among beneficiaries. 8. Beneficiaries' Perceptions of Climate Forecasts The perceptions of beneficiaries regarding the accuracy of climate forecasts were collected and analyzed, with the results summarized as follows: The graph above indicates that 73% of respondents rated the forecasts they received during the project as "very accurate," while 27% considered them "fair." This overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the reliability of the climate information provided and its practical value to agro-pastoralist communities. One compelling testimony comes from a producer in Gounass, located in the department of Koumpentoum. He shared his experience: "Yes, it's accurate. One day, I planned to apply fertilizers, but around 4 p.m., I received a call informing me that it would rain heavily the next day and all day long. I realized that applying fertilizers before the rain would be wasteful, so I decided to wait. Indeed, it rained continuously for two days. After the rain stopped, I applied the fertilizers, and the timing was perfect. The information we receive is truly important." January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 12 This example illustrates the tangible impact of accurate and timely forecasts on agricultural decision-making. By acting on the forecast, the producer avoided potential losses and optimized resource use, directly benefiting his productivity. The results underscore the critical role of precise and actionable climate information in enhancing resilience and improving the planning capabilities of agro-pastoralists. The feedback also highlights the trust beneficiaries place in the forecasts, which reinforces the importance of continuing to provide accurate, timely, and locally relevant climate information to support informed decision-making in rural communities. 9. Perception of the utility of CIS by Agro- Pastoralists The responses collected demonstrate a high level of adoption of climate predictions among agro-pastoralists, with 90% of respondents indicating that they use this information to guide their decision-making. The most common actions informed by these forecasts include crop protection, herd management, and planning agropastoral activities. For example, respondents reported adjusting harvest dates, postponing transhumance or weeding activities, and taking preventive measures such as vaccinating livestock or avoiding high-risk areas during storms. The graph below illustrates these findings. In addition to strategic planning, climate information enables agro-pastoralists to make practical, day-to-day decisions that safeguard their livelihoods. These include protecting herds from extreme conditions such as storms or heat and adapting personal behaviors to reduce exposure to weather-related risks. For instance, forecasts influence choices like staying indoors during extreme heat and ensuring the safety of children and livestock during adverse weather. One illustrative example comes from an agro-pastoralist in Fass Gounass, located in the Koumpentoum department, who shared: "Yes, I once received your call informing me that it would rain while I was preparing for transhumance. I immediately informed my comrades, and we decided to cancel the trip. Truly, your work is invaluable. You communicate in Fulani, a language we understand well." This testimony underscores the practical value of accurate, timely, and culturally accessible climate information. By acting on the forecast, the agro-pastoralist avoided unnecessary risks and protected both his herd and community. These findings highlight the critical role of climate predictions in enhancing resilience and optimizing resource use among agro-pastoralists. The integration of culturally relevant communication, such as delivering forecasts in local languages, further strengthens the impact of this information. By empowering communities with actionable insights, climate services are proving to be a transformative tool for improving livelihoods and safeguarding against climate variability. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 13 10. Impact of Climate Information on Reducing Risks and Losses The information provided through the climate services has enabled a majority of the beneficiaries in this assessment to protect themselves against potential losses. A significant 81% of respondents confirmed that the information was instrumental in helping them take necessary precautions, while 19% indicated that the information did not apply to their specific situations. The primary types of losses avoided include agricultural losses, such as crop damage, and livestock losses, demonstrating the critical role of timely climate information in safeguarding livelihoods. Testimonies from beneficiaries further illustrate the practical impact of these services. A farmer in Ida Mouride, Koungheul, highlighted how access to climate information has reduced fertilizer losses: "We used to experience significant losses in the past, especially with fertilizers. We would buy 10 bags at 100,000 CFA francs and apply them without considering the climate, which often led to waste. However, since receiving this information, our losses have decreased considerably." In addition to preventing material losses, the information has also enabled farmers to optimize their agricultural practices, saving both time and resources. For example, a producer from Lour Escale, Koungheul, shared: "We faced many challenges before. Breeders struggled to raise the dike during heavy rains because we are in a lowland area. In agriculture, weeding without climate information was often futile, as rain would undo our efforts the next day. Thanks to Jokalante and CIAT, these difficulties and losses have significantly decreased." Another farmer from Barkedji emphasized the benefits of climate forecasts for livestock management: "Losses have decreased because, in the past, if sheep were left outside overnight and it rained, they would die from the cold. Now, with the forecasts we receive, we take precautions to avoid such damage by sheltering vulnerable animals under tarps or in rooms, and we also protect our fodder." These testimonies highlight the transformative role of climate information in enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerabilities among farmers and pastoralists. By providing actionable insights, the services have not only minimized material and financial losses but also improved the overall efficiency and sustainability of agricultural and livestock practices. This underscores the importance of continuing and expanding such initiatives to further strengthen community resilience. 11. Beneficiaries' Interest in the Continuity of Climate Information Alerts From the respondents in this assessment, there is a strong interest of beneficiaries in continuing to receive climate information and agropastoral advice through alerts. It highlights the proportion of respondents in this assessment who expressed a desire to maintain access to these services in future campaigns. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 14 The data reveals an overwhelming majority, with 99% of respondents showing enthusiasm for the continuation of alerts. This indicates the high perceived value of the information provided and its importance in supporting decision-making for agricultural and pastoral activities. To ensure the sustainability of voice message broadcasting for climate forecasts and advice, Jokalante conducted a simulation proposing a subscription fee of 3,000 FCFA. This modest amount would enable producers to receive the information throughout the campaign. Encouragingly, 87% of respondents indicated their willingness to pay this amount, recognizing the importance of sustaining the service. This sentiment is echoed by a woman breeder from Lour Escale, Koungheul, who stated: "All the information is very useful. If we have accompanied you to this point, we must ensure that you continue your efforts. If the project ends, we are ready to pay to keep receiving this information." However, 12% of respondents expressed reluctance to contribute financially, citing various concerns, while 1% remained undecided. For instance, an agro-pastoralist from Fass Gounass, Koumpentoum, explained: "No, we are not ready to pay because the project is new, and we haven’t fully understood it yet. This is the first time we’ve had a proper discussion with Jokalante representatives. We cannot plan for the future without addressing the present." These findings highlight both the significant interest in sustaining the service and the challenges related to ensuring financial contributions from a minority of beneficiaries. While the vast majority are committed to supporting the initiative, there is a need for ongoing engagement and dialogue with hesitant or undecided individuals. Building awareness, clarifying the service's value, and addressing concerns are critical steps to fostering broader support for the long-term sustainability of these essential climate and agropastoral information services. Conclusion and Recommendations The evaluation of the Climate Information Services (CIS) initiative highlights its significant impact on agro-pastoralist communities in Senegal. Beneficiaries overwhelmingly value the timely, actionable, and locally relevant climate and agropastoral information provided, which has enabled better decision-making, reduced losses, and enhanced resilience to climate variability. The initiative’s inclusive approach, utilizing SMS, IVR, and community radios, has ensured accessibility, while the use of local languages like Pulaar has fostered trust and understanding. Despite these successes, challenges remain. A minority of beneficiaries reported difficulties in understanding the messages, and some expressed hesitation about financial contributions to sustain the service. These issues underscore the importance of addressing gaps in user engagement, communication clarity, and financial sustainability. Key recommendations from the evaluation are: 1. Enhance Communication Accessibility: o Simplify message formats and adjust delivery speed to accommodate varying levels of literacy and comprehension. o Continue using local languages while expanding to include other regional dialects for broader inclusivity. 2. Strengthen User Engagement: January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 15 o Organize regular meetings or forums with beneficiaries to discuss the service’s impact, address concerns, and gather feedback for improvement. o Provide user-friendly materials, such as guides or FAQs, to enhance understanding of the service and its benefits. 3. Expand Dissemination Channels: o Increase partnerships with additional community radio stations and digital platforms to reach underserved areas. o Explore innovative delivery methods, such as WhatsApp groups or social media, to enhance engagement with tech-savvy users. 4. Build Financial Sustainability: o Develop a tiered subscription model, offering basic services for free and premium options at a cost, to accommodate varying financial capacities. o Partner with government agencies and private sector stakeholders to subsidize costs and ensure long-term funding. 5. Targeted Awareness Campaigns: o Educate beneficiaries about the importance of climate information services and their role in supporting resilience. o Address misconceptions and build trust, particularly among hesitant or undecided users, through targeted outreach and success stories. 6. Monitor and Evaluate Impact: o Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to continuously assess the effectiveness and reach of CIS. o Use data insights to refine strategies and demonstrate the tangible benefits of the service to stakeholders and beneficiaries. By addressing these recommendations, the CIS initiative can continue to build on its successes, ensuring long-term sustainability and greater impact on Senegal’s agro-pastoralist communities. These efforts will not only enhance resilience but also contribute to broader national goals of food security and climate adaptation. January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 16 Issa Ouedraogo, Senior Scientist, i.ouedraogo@cgiar.org Ndeye Amy Kebe, Director Jokalante, ndeyeamy.kebe@jokalante.com Serigne Fall, Technician, Jokalante, serigne.fall@jokalante.com Babacar Seck, Technician, Jokalante, babacar.seck@jokalante.com CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org We would like to thank all funders who support this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders. To learn more about this Initiative, please visit this webpage. To learn more about this and other Initiatives in the CGIAR Research Portfolio, please visit www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio © 2024 Replace this with name of Center publishing this document. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC by 4.0). | | | mailto:i.ouedraogo@cgiar.org mailto:ndeyeamy.kebe@jokalante.com mailto:serigne.fall@jokalante.com mailto:babacar.seck@jokalante.com http://www.cgiar.org/funders https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/livestock-and-climate/ http://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://twitter.com/CGIAR?ref_src=twsrc%5egoogle|twcamp%5eserp|twgr%5eauthor https://www.facebook.com/onecgiar/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgiar https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuSEwWKAsoNwg6MJEI-qeA January 25 | Assessment of the use of livestock climate information in Senegal 17 Issa Ouedraogo, Senior Scientist, i.ouedraogo@cgiar.org Ndeye Amy Kebe, Director Jokalante, ndeyeamy.kebe@jokalante.com Serigne Fall, Technician, Jokalante, serigne.fall@jokalante.com Babacar Seck, Technician, Jokalante, babacar.seck@jokalante.com CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org We would like to thank all funders who support this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders. To learn more about this Initiative, please visit this webpage. To learn more about this and other Initiatives in the CGIAR Research Portfolio, please visit www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio © 2024 Replace this with name of Center publishing this document. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC by 4.0). | | | mailto:i.ouedraogo@cgiar.org mailto:ndeyeamy.kebe@jokalante.com mailto:serigne.fall@jokalante.com mailto:babacar.seck@jokalante.com http://www.cgiar.org/funders https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/livestock-and-climate/ http://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-portfolio https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://twitter.com/CGIAR?ref_src=twsrc%5egoogle|twcamp%5eserp|twgr%5eauthor https://www.facebook.com/onecgiar/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgiar https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuSEwWKAsoNwg6MJEI-qeA