Guess the rain: Kenya gamifies climate change to help farmers

"Let it rain" - played through an online platform or via text - has been developed by gaming firm Usiku and will let farmers predict the date rains will start in their area.

All entrants will also be asked to give their location, size of their farm and details of their crops.

They will get targetted information as well as advice on any specific farming needs from call centre experts.

"The idea of gamifying the weather is to attract farmers with the aim of giving them access to information to improve their crop yields and manage their farms more efficiently," said Kevin Gitau, iShamba's program manager.

Boniface Akuku, head of the Kenya Agricultural Observatory Platform, a government-run meteorological forecasting tool for farmers, said about 98 percent of farmers had a phone, but many did not know how and where to access information and had limited support from government advisers.

"Extension workers are thin on the ground and often do not have the resources or ability to reach farmers many of whom are in remote areas," said Akuku.

"The farming cycle is very vulnerable. There is a demand for accurate and timely information. Farmers need information quickly - a two-week delay in planting can result in up 60 percent reduced crop yield."