Climate services action kicks off in Africa

“Kick-off” meetings have taken place in the United Republic of Tanzania and Malawi to launch the Climate Services Adaptation Programme in Africa, which aims to build resilience in disaster risk management, food security, nutrition and health.

The programme, funded by a grant of US$ 9 750 000 (NOK 60 000 000) from the Government of Norway, is the first multi-agency initiative to be implemented under the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). It represents a unique approach that includes natural and social scientists as well as large development and humanitarian agencies working on the ground in a bid to ensure that climate services are tailored to the practical needs of the user community.

“Climate variability and climate change present great challenges to many countries in Africa, Tanzania inclusive,” said Tanzanian Minister for Transport Hon. Dr Harrison Mwakyembe in a statement at the opening session in Dar Es Salaam 5 February.

He said that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projected an increased frequency and magnitude of extreme weather and climate events and reduction of rainfall in some parts and increase on others. “These will significantly impact all socio-economic sectors and livelihood of communities across the country,” said Dr Mwakyembe, citing recent flooding as an example. He said the government of Tanzania was working to improve early warning systems and build disaster-resilient communities. “Therefore, this initiative on climate services adaptation programme has come at the right time for Tanzania,” he said. The speech was presented by Director of Transport Infrastructure Eng Edwin Muhjwahuzi.