Table 1 Definition of the preseason and in-season decisions made by the farmers in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

From: Evaluating iSAT climate-informed agro-advisories for farm decisions and system performance in Senegal’s drylands

Decision

Nature of decision

Pre-season

In-season

d1

Crop and planting decisions: Crop selection, crop diversification, planting strategies e.g., intercropping, rotation, etc.

Crop management decisions: Applying fertilizers to address nutrient deficiencies, weed control, and pesticide application

d2

Resource allocation decisions: land allocation for different crops, allocation of labor, budget for seeds, fertilizers, and other input

Environmental and climate-related decisions: Implementing protective measures for crop application, taking actions to mitigate heat stress

d3

Soil preparation and fertilization decisions: land preparation techniques; application of organic matter, compost, or cover crops; type and quantity of fertilizers

Harvest and post-harvest decisions: Deciding on the optimal timing for crop harvest, monitoring crop maturity, choosing appropriate storage

d4

Climate and weather considerations: Anticipate potential weather risks based on weather information, deciding on planting dates that align with your local climate patterns

Resource management decisions: Adjusting labor allocation, managing labor shortages, prioritizing equipment use based on urgency and efficiency

d5

Pest and disease management decisions: pre-season pest management plan, deciding on the selection and timing of pesticide applications, identifying potential disease-prone crops plan and intervention

Risk management decisions: Regularly inspecting crops for pests and disease symptoms to make timely decisions, deciding on further intervention

d6

Financial and budgeting decisions: Creating a budget for the upcoming season, allocating funds for purchasing new equipment, allocation of fund

Continuous monitoring and observations: Regularly observing crop health, making decisions on resource allocation based on yield expectations

d7

Marketing and sales decisions: Identifying target markets, deciding on packaging and labeling, and allocating resources for transportation and distribution

Overall strategy and adaptation: Adapting strategies in response to evolving conditions, making continuous improvements

d8

Risk management decisions: Anticipating potential risks, e.g., extreme events, creating contingency plans for unexpected challenges, deciding on insurance options

 

d9

Long-term sustainability decisions: Planning for sustainable practices, allocating resources for conservation efforts, deciding on the integration of agroecological principles

 

d10

Operational and timing decisions: Decide on the timing of various pre-season operations, allocating time for monitoring and early detection of pest and disease issues