Description

Abstract: The GL-CRSP Livestock Early Warning System project in East Africa has developed a methodology and technology to address the informational needs of pastoral communities relative to changing forage conditions. The LEWS team, led by Texas A&M University in collaboration with a large network of NARS, NGOs, and development agencies in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has assembled an integrated suite of technology that provides estimates of livestock forage availability, deviation from normal, and a percentile ranking for a large portion of these four countries. When coupled with a 90-day forecasting system, information such as current forage conditions relative to historical conditions, conditions at the same time during the previous year, and likely forage response in the next 90 days can be provided. Since the human element in complex technology can be a major constraint for deployment in developing countries, LEWS has attempted to devise methods by which data is automatically acquired, analysis is conducted by resident programs scheduled to run unattended, and output information is generated and disseminated to outreach partners in the region. This information is updated every 10 days with situation reports and maps distributed via WorldSpace radios, email, internet, CDs, and newsletters, impacting over 400 organizations and 300 decision makers in the region.