"Understanding our global environment and our role in it is the first step toward living in better harmony with nature."
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CSI/ESD - Africa Program

In Africa, there is large dependence of the economies on natural resources, and a greater part of their agricultural production systems depends upon seasonal precipitation. Since precipitation is a function of climate, this means that the livelihood securities of the peoples in Africa like most other non-industrialized nations, is intricately tied up with climate variability. The institutional infrastructures and the economies of the African countries are weak; the policy environments are inconsistent and most of the continent is plagued with social conflicts and inadequate access to information. The interaction of these scenarios with climate in this fragile environment, coupled with few alternatives for effective adaptation, exposes the continent to greater sensitivity and increased vulnerability to weather and climate. .

The goal of NOAA/OGP regional African program therefore, is to support African nations in creating a broad set of tools and relationships to live harmoniously and profitably with their natural environment, through the application of seasonal to inter-annual climate information for sustainable development.

Against this background, the main objectives of the program are as follows:

• Support, enhance and build upon the existing successes in seasonal forecasting and applications.
• Building a cadre of sect oral-specialist intermediaries, for improved sector specific products interpretation and dissemination.
• Improve the institutional capabilities of users of climate forecast information based on recognition of the needs for forecast products and their applications on the part of national agencies and user groups.
• Sensitize the media to act as responsible partner in the process of forecast dissemination.
• Enhance and develop Regional and National Frameworks for funding or identify sustainable funding sources for Climate Outlook Forums and other forecasting and applications activities.

Priority issues are:

• Forecast design, communication, interpretation and training for both users and producers.
• Improve capacity and enhance regional ownership of the current internationally sponsored activities in Africa.
• Institutionalization and sustainability of the existing forecasting and application activities especially at National levels.
• Address new issues in environment, development and equity and quality of life at National level.

For more information regarding the program, visit the following links.

Africa Program Update - January 31, 2002

Events - includes workshops, statements, reports, etc.

Funded Projects - Areas of research include agriculture, communications, energy, and health.

Contact Information

Reports

• Report of the Fifteenth Climate Outlook Forum for the Greater Horn (GHA) of Africa, commonly known as East Africa, March 2 to 4, 2005, Mombassa, Kenya
• Traditional indicators used for climate monitoring and prediction by some rural communities in Kenya
• Statement from the Ninth Climate Outlook Forum for the Greater Horn of Africa 18--21 February 2002, Eldoret, Kenya
• The regional media and meteorology workshop held in Maseru, Lesotho, for the Southern African region
• The 2001 Southern African Climate Outlook Forum(SARCOF) workshop held in Mankochi, Malawi
• The statements of West African Climate Outlook forum(PRESAO 5) held in Niamey, Niger, June, 2002

Links

• Drought Monitoring Center Nairobi
• African Center of Meteorological Applications for Development
• Drought Monitoring Center Harare
• Climate Prediction Center, African Desk
• South African weather Bureau
• I.R.I.