Empowering local climate action: the importance of participatory scenario planning

Seasonal forecasts are essential for communities to prepare themselves for potential climate hazards such as heat stress, floods, and droughts. When the Kenya Meteorological Department released the national forecast for the March, April, and May (MAM) rainfall season, it marked a critical moment for local planning. Using this information, communities can engage in early action and informed decision-making.

Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) workshops are gatherings where advanced meteorological insights and local experiences come together, leading to the creation of advisories tailored to local contexts and needs. By turning high-level climate data into concrete strategies, the PSP workshops support farmers, fishermen, pastoralists, and others whose livelihoods depend on food systems, thus enhancing local capacity to navigate and adapt to climate challenges.

Convened by the Kenya Meteorological Department, with support from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute, the recent PSP workshops brought together stakeholders from various sectors across nine counties of Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Baringo. These collaborative efforts explored the implications of the upcoming MAM 2024 seasonal forecast on agriculture and communities.