OPINION by PETER BABYENDA | Our recent study conducted in Machakos County, Kenya, revealed that while the provision of climate information is vital for smallholder farmers, it is not sufficient on its own to drive long-term adaptation to climate change. The study highlights the complex interplay between information provision, behavioural responses and institutional support in building resilience among farmers.

We used an experiment to test how farmers responded to three types of climate information: short-term forecasts, long-term unexplained projections and long-term explained projections. Results showed that while explained long-term forecasts improved comprehension and reduced ambiguity, they did not consistently lead to forward-looking investments such as applying irrigation, water harvesting and planting of climate-sensitive crop and animal varieties. Short-term forecasts reinforced seasonal coping strategies, while unexplained projections heightened risk aversion.

Therefore farmers’ decisions on adaptation to climate change seem not to be only shaped by the clarity of climate forecasts but also by liquidity constraints, risk perceptions and institutional barriers.

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The Writer is the EfD-Mak Centre Policy Engagement Coordinator and Lecturer at School of Economics, Makerere University

Every generation dreams of success. Parents work hard to build a better life for their families. Entrepreneurs take risks to grow their firms. Leaders strive to improve the lives of their people. Yet when all is said and done,the true measure of success is not how much we achieve in a lifetime, but whether the success endures beyond it. No matter how strong, talented or visionary we are, one truth unites us all: we are mortal life has its seasons.Each of us has our moment to build, lead and nurture – and then hand over.

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OKUMU MIKE IBRAHIM | In Kampala today, a meal of posho and beans costs about Shs5,000. For many shop attendants, guards, clerks, or market loaders, that is also their daily wage. Imagine working from morning to evening only to afford one meal.

Under such conditions, it is no surprise that many Ugandans have lost the energy to work with commitment. Instead, they slow down, go through the motions, or quietly expect “something small” from the customer just to survive. This is not laziness. It is the reality of an economy where too many people chase too few jobs.

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