Project description
Tracking climate changes in East Africa
Climate-related emergencies, such as droughts and floods, are common and also increasing environmental risks in East Africa. The EU-funded CONFER project will explore the climate changes in East Africa, a region that includes 11 countries and a population of more than 360 million. Specifically, this multinational collaboration will work to ensure flexibility to climate effects and the mitigation of disaster risks. The project will co-develop tailored climate services for the water, energy and food sectors, engaging also stakeholders and end users. The aim is to improve their ability to adapt and predict seasonal climate fluctuations. The findings will be widely disseminated in policy briefs and at an open conference on climate services in Africa.
Objective
CONFER is a multi-national collaboration to bolster resilience to climate impacts and reduce disaster risk in East Africa, potentially reaching 365 million people in eleven countries. Our main objective is to co-develop dedicated climate services for the water, energy and food security sectors with stakeholders and end-users, to enhance their ability to plan for and adapt to seasonal climate fluctuations. The scientific work in CONFER is ambitious and aims to break new ground along three inter-related tracks. First, we will secure end-user engagement by using the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Fora, which are held three times per year and attract about 200 stakeholders, as platforms for co-production of new and dedicated climate services for our focus sectors. By fostering a two-way dialogue between our scientists and a large group of stakeholders and end-users, we will create enthusiasm and raise awareness to ensure that the value of our new science and products is fully realized by those who need them the most. Second, we will improve on the accuracy and local detail of numerical prediction model outputs for East Africa, with a particular focus on seasonal prediction. Third, we will develop statistical and machine learning tools to obtain a new level of seasonal forecast skill based on numerical models and high-resolution satellite data. We will also involve our scientific experts in a large training and capacity development programme designed to enhance climate information uptake in our focus sectors. Our research and outreach address important IPCC topics, the sustainable development goals, and the expected impacts in the call for proposals. We will aim to influence policymaking through frequent interaction with stakeholders at the climate outlook fora, by publishing policy briefs, and by organizing an open conference on climate services in Africa.
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RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
5838 Bergen
Norway