Beyond seasonal climate forecasts: Taking climate information to communities to enhance the uptake in the cross-border areas of the IGAD Region
By Hussein Mohamed and Dr Titike Bahaga
Introduction
In the cross-border areas of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Region, climate variability and extreme weather events have increasingly disrupted livelihoods, particularly for pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities. Despite advancements in climate modeling and forecasting, a major challenge remains: ensuring that climate information reaches the last mile — where it is needed most. Recognizing this gap, the 4th Sub regional Climate Outlook Forum (Sub-COF4) for the March-May 2025 season was recently held in Lodwar, northern Kenya. This critical event brought together stakeholders and IDDRSI representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda to bridge the gap between climate forecasting and community-level decision-making.
The Sub Regional Climate Outlook Forum aimed to operationalize the use of climate information at the community level, ensuring that seasonal forecasts are not just scientific projections but practical tools for resilience and adaptation. Convened by IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) in collaboration with ICPALD, national meteorological agencies, national partners, and local government representatives, the forum emphasized a participatory approach to climate information dissemination.
The meeting provided an opportunity to translate complex climate information into accessible, actionable knowledge for farmers, pastoralists, and local disaster management actors. The forum also facilitated dialogue on integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific forecasting to enhance the credibility and acceptance of climate advisories. It further recognized that transboundary climate risks call for greater cooperation and management between IGAD cross-border regions.
Enhancing the uptake of climate information and services
To ensure that climate information reaches communities effectively, the forum underscored several key approaches:
- Localized climate services: The forum advocated for tailoring climate information to the specific needs of local communities. This includes using local languages, culturally appropriate messaging, and integrating climate advisories with traditional decision-making structures.
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration: Recognizing that effective dissemination requires a collaborative effort, the forum brought together meteorologists, local governments, universities, and community leaders to design information pathways that prioritize accessibility and usability. Stakeholders were engaged in co-designing and co-developing climate services to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Early Warning Systems and Anticipatory Action: The forum emphasized strengthening early warning systems that integrate both conventional and indigenous forecasting methods. This will enable communities to take anticipatory action, reducing their vulnerability to climate shocks. Participants also discussed the importance of contextual and thematic interpretation of seasonal forecasts for their application in agriculture, water, conflict, and livestock sectors.
- Synergy building with media: The forum recognized the crucial role of local media in bridging the knowledge gap. Media practitioners were trained to enhance their understanding of the MAM 2025 climate outlook and develop communication plans to disseminate weather and climate information effectively.
5. Development of a cross-border roadmap for a climate services framework and anticipatory action, supported by the IDDRSI coordinator and government representatives.
- Digital platforms and community networks: The use of digital tools, community radio, and mobile phone alerts was emphasized as a way to bridge the information gap and ensure timely access to seasonal forecasts.
Impact on livelihoods and disaster preparedness
By making climate information more accessible, communities in the IGAD cross-border region will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding crop planting, water conservation, livestock migration, and disaster preparedness. Improved climate literacy enhances resilience by enabling proactive adaptation strategies, reducing losses, and safeguarding food security.
Moreover, the forum reinforced the importance of integrating climate services into national and regional policies. Governments and development partners must continue investing in community-led climate adaptation initiatives that link scientific data with on-the-ground realities.
The 4th Sub regional Climate Outlook Forum demonstrated that effective climate forecasting goes beyond generating seasonal projections — it requires a people-centered approach that prioritizes dissemination and usability. As the IGAD region grapples with the impacts of climate change, ensuring that climate information reaches the last mile will be instrumental in enhancing resilience and securing sustainable livelihoods.
Moving forward, sustained investments in participatory climate services, localized dissemination, anticipatory action mechanisms, and media engagement will be crucial in empowering communities to navigate climate uncertainties.
