Meteo Rwanda to train Farmers Cooperatives on the application of weather and climate information into agriculture sector

Rwanda Meteorology Agency with funding from Post-Harvest and Agribusiness Support Project (PASP) started training Farmer’s Cooperatives across the country.

The initial training was conducted in Northern Provinces from 23^rd to 25^th March 2016. It was established six agricultural HUBs that will be used to disseminate weather and climate information to the farmers. Around 180 farmers from different cooperatives were trained.

The training is aimed at increasing awareness of Meteo Rwanda products and services especially in agriculture in order to support farmers on their day-to-day activities. Meteo Rwanda generates the following products: Ten days climate bulletin, seasonal forecast and agro meteorological advisories.

The workshop furthermore, enhanced the application of Meteo Rwanda products and services destined towards farmers using HUB information in Musanze district.

The workshop was also the occasion to have in place the feedback mechanism between Meteo Rwanda and farmers on how they apply Meteo Rwanda products in the agricultural sector, disaster preparedness, climate change mitigation among others.

The aim of SPIU/PASP project is to reduce poverty, increase rural income and contribute to the overall economic development of Rwanda.

The workshop also developed a strong partnership between agriculture extension officers and sector Agronomist with Meteo-Rwanda toward efficient and rapid dissemination of meteorological information to farmers.

Rwanda Meteorology Agency is the National Meteorological Service with a mission of providing accurate, timely weather and climate information and products for the general welfare of the Republic of Rwanda.