CIRDA Training Wokshop on a Systems Approach to Observing Networks

UNDP in partnership with the Government of Tanzania held a three day training workshop on technology transfer and innovation for climate change and early warning systems in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 14-16 October. International renowned experts worked with 11 partner African countries to increase resilience to climate change through access to climate data for sustainable planning. Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to the negative impact of climate change. Farmers and rural communities are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of access to information.

This workshop was part of the support provided through UNDP's Multi Country Support Programme to Strengthen Climate Information Systems in Africa (CIRDA) that is working with national met services in bringing new technologies and capacities to help farmers, policy makers and the private sector make informed decisions in the face of climate change. The CIRDA Programme financed by the GEF's Least Developed Country Fund, is an example of the concrete actions that African countries are taking to increase resiliency to climate change.

The training workshop provided technical knowledge and experience to the National Meteorology and Hydrology Services and Disaster Management Departments in their efforts to adapt national observing networks to address local and community needs. Representatives from CIRDA partner countries-Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Uganda and Zambia- were also present.

Speaking at the workshop Mr. Richard Muyungi, UNFCCC Focal Point for the Government of the Republic of Tanzania stated, "The capacity to ensure that development planning is instituted on accurate climate information and services is extremely relevant, it is is an objective for which we are glad to work jointly with our UNDP and regional partners."

During the workshop, participants were introduced to various methods for assuring data quality as well as to innovative technologies that are available to enhance data collection. In addition, they were provided with a first-hand account from private sector representatives on the strategic partnerships that can be developed for collecting (Earth Networks), communicating (Access Communications) and employing climate information (ACRE Insurance).

This event also provided an important space for CIRDA partner countries to display the work that they have been developing as a result of national climate information and early warning projects. This included a video displaying Benin's success in implementing its flood warning system.

Click here to access the presentations, country posters and videos from this training event.