DROP app
Get localized weather forecasts combining scientific and local knowledge
The DROP app is a climate information tool developed together with smallholder farmers. It combines local weather knowledge with scientific weather forecasts to help farmers make better decisions. The app was first used in Ghana and is now being used in Kenya. It will soon be available in Zimbabwe, and it has also been used in other countries that depend on rain for farming, like Bangladesh and Guatemala.
Combines local & scientific weather forecasts
Some guidance required
Smallholder farmers, extension officers, agricultural organizations
Mobile app
Why use this tool?
- Combines local and scientific weather forecast
- Allows farmers to input local rainfall observations, crop types and planting dates.
- Provides 1- to 14-day scientific forecasts, 2-day local forecasts, and 7-day soil moisture forecasts.
- Supports use with smartphone and low-cost rain gauges for areas with limited resources.
- Developed with farmers’ active participation to ensure relevance and usability.
Get started
Download the DROP app for free in the Google Playstore
Need help using the app?
‘’Information is power, and DROPapp provides us with the information we want” – Smallholder farmer in Narok county, Kenya
Where has it worked already?
DROP app in Northern Ghana
Literature
Sutanto et al (2025): DROP app: a hydroclimate information service to deliver scientific rainfall, local rainfall, and soil moisture forecasts for agricultural decision-making.
Sutanto et al (2025): Next-generation hybrid precipitation forecasts that integrate indigenous knowledge.
Paparrizos et al (2024):. Integrating user- and data-driven weather forecasts to develop legitimate, credible, and salient information services for smallholders in the Global South.
Paparrizos et al (2023): Local rainfall forecast knowledge across the globe used for agricultural decision-making.
Paparrizos et al (2023): Hydro-climate information services for smallholder farmers: FarmerSupport app principles, implementation and evaluation.
Developed by
The DROPapp was developed by the Water Systems and Global Change group, Wageningen University (The Netherlands) and University for Development Studies, Tamale (Ghana). The material was last updated in July 2025.
For any questions, feel free to contact us at spyros.paparrizos@wur.nl
