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Research, Policy and Practice

Table 2 Indigenous weather forecasting indicators

From: Indigenous weather forecasting among Gujii pastoralists in southern Ethiopia: Towards monitoring drought

Indicators

Fre

%

Source of IWF

Special characteristics

Cows urinate

106

31.2

Public/Uuchuu

When a cow urinates while sleeping, it indicates drought is about to happen

Cow dung

75

22.1

Public/Uuchuu

When a cow drops dung while sleeping, it indicates a long dry season is coming

Birds' and fox sound

28

8.2

Public

Sounds of foxes and birds like Urdudde, Sololiya, Laakkama, Gaarrisa, and Qottoo are transliterated

Intestine reading

10

2.9

Uuchuu

Conditions of the blood vessel and large and small intestines are transliterated

Insect behaviours

6

1.8

Public

Time and direction of the move of the swarm of insects are transliterated

Plant flower

31

9.1

Public

Flowering and leaf shading of the tree can be attached to seasons

Stars and moon

75

22.1

Ayyaantuu

Position of the star and moon in the sky used as a reference to weather condition

Animal thirsty

9

2.6

Public

When cattle drink too much water, it is an indication of the upcoming dry season

Total

340

100.0