Journalists have been urged to demystify complex climate
information and translate it into clear, practical messages that guide farmers,
traders, youth and policymakers in making timely and informed decisions.
Experts say translating complex meteorological data into simple,
actionable messages could help farmers grow more, lose less and build
resilience in the face of climate change.
Edward Muriuki, acting director of the Kenya Meteorological Department,
said climate data should not remain buried in technical reports or confined to
obscure websites.
“It must be brought to life through compelling, locally relevant
storytelling that is easy to access, understand and act upon,” he said.
Muriuki was speaking during media training on interpreting and
disseminating climate information, held under the Enhancing Climate Resilience
in East Africa project.
The initiative is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office through the Weather and Climate Information Services for
Africa programme, with KMD as the implementing partner.
The training, co-organised with the Kenya Agricultural and
Livestock Research Organisation, aimed to assess how farmers can use
meteorological data to improve yields.
“Climate change is no longer a distant or theoretical issue. It
is a daily reality impacting lives and livelihoods across the country. From
unpredictable rainfall and prolonged droughts to flash floods and heatwaves,
climate variability is disrupting communities that rely heavily on natural
resources,” Muriuki said.
He said that while climate information services, such as
seasonal forecasts and early warning systems can help reduce risks and build
resilience, the information often fails to reach those who need it most.
“You [journalists] are trusted communicators. You shape
narratives, influence behaviour and provide platforms for public engagement.
Whether through radio, TV, newspapers or digital platforms, you can transform
scientific data into messages that resonate with farmers, traders, and
policymakers,” Muriuki said.
He said the government, through the Climate Change Act and the
National Adaptation Plan, has prioritised integrating climate services into
development planning. But success, he added, depends on inclusive and
responsive communication.
“We need journalists to tell us what communities understand,
what confuses them and what they really need. Your insights will help us
improve how we communicate and serve the public.”
Scientists are however making forecasts useful on the farm, Dr
David Karanja, national coordinator for Grains and Legumes at Kalro, explained.
He said farmers use weather data in practical ways, from choosing bean
varieties to applying fertiliser and controlling pests.
“If the forecast shows heavy rains ahead, the farmer should
plant a variety that tolerates wet conditions. Fertiliser timing also depends
on rainfall, because many fertilisers need soil moisture to be effective,” Karanja
said.
He added that dry and hot forecasts are also crucial alerts. “In
dry weather, pests like aphids and whiteflies increase. That means farmers must
scout more often and apply control measures before their crops are destroyed.”
Karanja pointed out that weather data also informs harvesting
decisions, helping farmers avoid post-harvest losses.
Under the Ecrea project, Kalro and KMD are piloting in Nakuru,
Bomet, Homa Bay and Machakos, training county extension officers and lead
farmers, including youth agri-preneurs, on how to use weather data to boost
commercial bean production.
“We’re targeting 100,000 farmers across the four counties, about
25,000 in each. Our goal is to scale up production to commercial-quality,
tradable volumes,” Karanja said.
These lead farmers are trained as trainers of trainers and
continuously supported through targeted refresher sessions.
“By building their capacity to interpret weather data and apply
it to bean farming, we’re laying the groundwork for stronger, climate-smart
agriculture systems,” he added.
Muriuki said that as climate change accelerates, the role of the
media in translating weather and climate science into actionable insights
becomes more critical than ever.
“With timely, clear, and localised reporting, journalists can
empower communities not just to survive, but to thrive,” he said.
