OAR@ICRISATEnhancing the capacity of smallholder farms to tap into digital climate service technologies opportunities for improved crop production in the cercles of SikassoO NWorouauthorABouaréauthorBNebieauthorATahirouauthorRTaboauthorIn the Sahel, the agricultural sector, based mainly on rainfed farming system is extremely sensitive to climate change due to the higher frequency of excess heat, and changes in rainfall patterns leading to crop failure and crop damages from pests and diseases. In Mali, this threat of climate change is of particular concern as 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture and livelihoods, and are largely dependent on natural resources that are constantly degrading. Based on this observation, our approach was to help a group of 100 farmers to better integrate climate information and agricultural advice into their production systems through the Sénékèla/Sandji platform in the cercles of Sikasso and Kadiolo. A user group of 10 to 15 farmers was set up in seven (7) villages. The constitution of these groups took into account all social strata, including women who are the most marginalized in rural areas. Producers were trained in the use of the system (registration, interpretation of messages, holding a conversation with the agroadvisor). By using the platform, the farmers were able to better plan their activities, make decisions based on climate forecasts and have access to agricultural advice in real time. To evaluate the system, a study was conducted with a sample of 68 producers; the methodology adopted was based on data collection through a questionnaire and two rating sheets given to producers. The results show that the technology has had a positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries. We have seen a decrease in production costs of more than 30%, better use of inputs for 72% of producers and a decrease in working time (60.3% of producers). The majority of users (88%) are satisfied with Sénékèla/Sandji as a tool for disseminating climatic information, and 71% of forecasts received by producers were confirmed, which proves the effectiveness of the system.Farming SystemsClimate Change2022-01Policy Briefs

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