Stakeholders Advocate For Customized Early Warning Systems In Curbing Drought-Related Challenges

By Benson Aswani,

The IGAD ICPAC organization is advocating for customized early warning systems that will help in monitoring and predicting droughts in cross-border areas, the initiative was supported by GIZ SCIDA 111

Speaking during the training of stakeholders from West Pokot and Turkana counties in Kitale Trans Nzoia County, an official from the IGAD icpac organization, Geofrey Sabiti said that the system targeting pastoralist communities in Kenya and the neighboring Uganda will help get information in advance in case of climate change.

Mr. Sabiti said that farmers from the pastoral communities have been facing challenges caused by droughts due to the disconnect between the systems in Kenya and Uganda.

“There is a disconnect between what is being done in Uganda and what is being done in Kenya, and there is no coordination. So what we are doing in terms of helping the cross-border approach of early warning is to provide a customized early warning system,” he said.

The IGAD icpac disaster risk assessment expert Victor Igbokwe, said that despite the fact that there are several measures that have been taken to address the situation, the aim of the organizations is to ensure that the system is fully implemented.

“Several actions have been taken, but looking at operationalizing the early warning system and having it sustained, and with the help of the technical experts in the government sector, the process will be expedited,” said Mr. Igbokwe.

On his part, earth observation thematic expert in IGAD David Ongo, expressed the need of doing analysis related to precipitation to understand the historical drought within the arid areas of West Pokot County, Turkana County and Uganda.

“By doing analysis related to precipitation, we will be able to understand the historical drought within arid areas to help put strategies that will help curb drought related challenges,” said Mr. Ongo.

The program was sponsored by GIZ SCIDA III in collaboration with IGAD icpac and the Red Cross.