From December 9-13, 2024, experts in disaster management, meteorology and hydrology from across the region gathered in Kampala, Uganda, to address the cross-border challenges posed by droughts and floods in the Horn of Africa .
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in partnership with the IGAD Climate Predictions and Applications Center (ICPAC) and supported by the CREWS (Climate Early Warning and Response Systems) project climate risk management) for the Greater Horn of Africa, the event strengthened collaboration between countries and regional entities sharing cross-border risks, in order to consolidate early warning systems.
Three-quarters of the people in the Horn of Africa live in river basins and above groundwater shared between several countries. However, the region does not yet have solid institutional frameworks for the management of these transboundary basins.
“Information sharing is essential for effective management of our regional cross-border resources,” said Jully Ouma of IGAD's ICPAC Centre.
In this context, the workshop entitled “Strengthening early warning and rapid action systems for weather, hydrological and climate extremes” brought together six countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, to explore common solutions.
Participants worked on flood forecasting and drought monitoring tools, such as ICPAC's East Africa Drought Watch system. They also examined data needs and extreme forecasts, while developing a draft framework for cross-border cooperation, establishing a basis for real-time data exchange and coordination of risk management efforts.
Discussions focused on information sharing protocols, a crucial step towards creating a cohesive platform for disaster risk data. Technical sessions also strengthened capacities in flood and drought modeling.
“Transboundary risks require partners to break down walls and barriers by working together on aspects of cross-border cooperation and collaboration,” emphasized hydrologist Benjamin Ssekamuli.
WN/as/lb/Sf/te/APA
