The Economic Impact of Seasonal Drought Forecast Information Service in Jamaica, 2014-15

This report evaluates the economic impact of services provided to Jamaican farmers during a drought. Since 2014 Jamaica has been in one of the worst droughts recorded since the 1970s, with extreme effects on rural livelihood and economy. 

 
The Jamaican Meteorological Service (JMS), in collaboration with the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) produced seasonal drought related forecast information which was disseminated to over 300 farmers during June 2014 - June 2015. The goal of this study is to evaluate the economic impact of the service provided. 
 
Some key findings of the report include: 1) farmers in Jamaica have high educational attainments, which is an indication that they would be relatively more accessible to any information campaign; 2) income and livelihood sources of Jamaican farmers are not very diversified beyond agricultural-based activities; 3) lack of water, finances, and the uncertainty of water/rainfall/drought are the three most frequently reported challenges and constraints faced by the farmers; 4) TV, radio, and the agricultural extension services are the three most commonly reported sources of climate information for farmers. 
Country
Jamaica
Sectors
Adaptation
Strategic Objective
Adaptation
Topics
Adaptation, Monitoring and Evaluation, Weather
Region
Latin America & Caribbean

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