This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Kenya is facing a severe climate crisis, with erratic weather patterns affecting the entire region. In a bid to help farmers adapt to these changes, the country has launched a unique initiative - a mobile game that challenges players to predict the start of the rainy season.
Called the 'Let it rain' challenge, the game is designed to engage farmers in the conversation around climate change and provide them with access to information and advice to improve crop yields. The game, which is set to launch on February 1, will allow farmers to predict the date the rainy season will start in their area, with the winner receiving a cash prize of up to 100,000 shillings ($1,000).
But the game is not just about winning a prize - it's also about providing farmers with the tools they need to manage their farms more efficiently. According to Sophie Rottmann, project coordinator for the Mediae Company, which developed the game, farmers often plant too early or harvest too late due to uncertainty about the rainy season.
