Browsing by Author "Khatibu,Salma"

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Agro-meteorological services in the era of climate change: a bibliometric review of research trends, knowledge gaps, and global collaboration
(Frontier, 2025) Khatibu,Salma; Ngowi,Edwin
Introduction: Agro-meteorological services are crucial for mitigating climate variability’s impact on agriculture and enhancing food security. Despite their importance, the global research landscape in this field remains underexplored. This study examines the evolution of agro meteorological research from 2010 to 2024, focusing on trends, contributors, and regional developments. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Dimensions database, with visualizations created via VOSviewer. The study analyzed publication trends, key institutions, authors, journals, and subject clusters. Statistical correlations assessed collaboration and institutional impact. Results: The results revealed that publications increased steadily, peaking in 2020 (r = 0.92, p < 0.01), reflecting emphasis on sustainability and climate adaptation. Collaborative publications correlated strongly with institutional impact (r = 0.75, p < 0.01), led by Wageningen University and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Sustainability and The Science of the Total Environment were key journals. Sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia showed significant research growth (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). Discussion: The results highlight the field’s global, interdisciplinary scope and rising contributions from developing regions. However, capacity gaps and limited integration of indigenous knowledge persist. Inclusive partnerships and capacity building are essential to strengthen agro meteorological services and address climate challenges effectively.
Farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of climate information services in predicting hazard occurrences in Kondoa and Kiteto districts, Tanzania
(The sub saharan journal of social sciences and humanities (SJSSH), 2024) Khatibu,Salma; Ngowi,Edwin E; Mwamfupe,Davis G
The heightened occurrence of climate-related disasters such as droughts, floods, and storms has amplified agricultural vulnerability in developing countries, particularly affecting farmers’ decision-making processes. Despite the availability of Climate Information Services (CIS), their perceived effectiveness in accurately predicting climate hazards remains underexplored. This study examines farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of CIS in predicting climate-related hazards in Kondoa and Kiteto districts, Tanzania, where 360 farmers who have access to the Global Framework for Climate Service Adoption in Africa (GFCS-APA) program were surveyed. Using a 5-point Likert scale, Kendall’s W-test, and Chi-squared tests, the study revealed significant variation in the perceived relevance and utility of different CIS. The findings highlight that droughts and erratic rainfall are the most prevalent hazards, affecting 88.91% and 75.21% of farmers, respectively. Meanwhile, flooding impacts 86.35% of farmers in Bukulu and 56.03% in Emarty, with pest and disease outbreaks affecting approximately 41-43% of households. Farmers ranked drought as the most critical hazard (mean rank 2.61), followed by erratic rainfall (2.82) and pest outbreaks (3.09). The Kendall's W-test (W = 0.185, p < 0.001) confirmed moderate agreement on these rankings, with considerable heterogeneity in perceptions. Regarding CIS effectiveness, farmers ranked agrometeorological advisory services highest (mean score 4.72), followed by seasonal weather forecasts (4.36). However, extreme weather predictions were perceived as less useful (mean score 3.53). The Kendall’s W coefficient for CIS rankings was 0.411 (p < 0.001), indicating strong consensus among farmers. Despite these services’ availability, qualitative data suggested that their technical language and lack of location-specific details limited practical application. The study recommends enhancing CIS through participatory approaches and improved dissemination strategies to better tailor services to farmers’ needs, ultimately fostering more resilient agricultural practices in the face of climate variability.