A typology of climate information users for adaptation to agricultural droughts in Uruguay

The ability to implement climate risk management measures is associated with the availability and effectiveness of climate services to inform decision making. Using the case of agricultural droughts in livestock systems of Uruguay, this paper analyzes the extent in which available climate information is being used for adaptation to droughts. Semi-structured interviews and The Q methodology was applied to farmers, public policy makers and academic researchers. Four different profiles of the use of climate information were obtained: convinced, pragmatic, pessimistic and skeptical. The need of understanding the specific contexts of use of climatic information for tailored climate services elaboration is noted. Translation of information is also necessary, since the lack understanding of the message results in unused information. There was consensus that preventive measure should be taken to minimize the impacts of drought and therefore, developing effective climate services should prioritize preventive measures.