How Agribusiness Uses Climate Predictions: Implications for Climate Research and Provision of Predictions

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of climate prediction needs and useswithin six important subsegments of the agribusiness sector. Results arebased on a mail survey of 114 managers. Although nearly 70% of therespondents indicated some use of climate predictions in the last year,only 1 in 8 of the respondents used that information in a specificdecision. Lack of sufficient accuracy and prediction lead time wereidentified as two important impediments to current use of climatepredictions. Estimates of necessary accuracy levels and lead time arereported both for the group average and by segments of need.Recommendations are offered regarding research needs to enhance climateprediction and activities of the government and the private sector toimprove use of climate predictions.