Paper short abstract:

Artisanal fishers in Thiruvananthapuram, south India, brave uncertain weather, waves and winds during the monsoon season. Radio Monsoon offers them marine forecasts in the local language through the Internet, mobile phones, and loudspeakers; with feedback to forecasters, based on the fishers’ knowledge.

Paper long abstract:

One of the largest concentrations of artisanal fishers, Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in south India is known for strong winds, high waves, and overcast sky during the monsoon season. Still, often fishers go to sea under uncertain and risky conditions in the absence of easily accessible marine weather forecasts. Boat capsizes and straying into shipping channels are frequent.

The fishers often rely exclusively on their traditional knowledge. While social and cultural factors shape perceptions of risk, perceptions can promote or hinder risk appreciation, communication and attitudes to risk reduction (Douglas and Wildavsky 1982, Cannon et al. 2014). Therefore, traditional practices can complement scientific knowledge and tools.

In this context, Radio Monsoon offers regular marine weather forecasts to the fishers, using the Internet, mobile phones, free phone services, social media, loudspeakers and word of mouth. The 'radio station' works with fishermen's societies and local school science clubs. This experiment involves sharing of weather, wind and wave data and collection of feedback on the accuracy, reliability, relevance and timing of dissemination services. It compares four elements - forecast data, instrument observation, and fishers' own predictions and observations. After a well-received pilot, supported by the Sussex Innovation Centre, Radio Monsoon now plans to expand its services.

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References:

Douglas, M. and Wildavsky, A. (1982) Risk and Culture. University of California Press, 1982.

Cannon, T., Schipper, L, Bankoff, G. and Krüger, F. (eds.) (2014) World Disasters Report 2014: Focus on culture and risk. Geneva: IFRC.