Participants of the first CCAA learning forum in Nairobi, March 2010 Photo: IDRC/ M. O'Neill

 

Nairobi, Kenya, March 8-12, 2010: 17 researchers from eight CCAA-supported projects met with regional and international climate experts to synthesize learning to date on seasonal forecasting. In Africa, there is significant scope to increase the use of climate information and advisory services in planning to reduce the threat of climate variability and change to farmers, pastoralists, fishers and others who depend on climate-sensitive resources.

 

This meeting was the first in a series of thematic learning forums planned by the CCAA program. The forums are intended to help synthesize and share adaptation knowledge from across a range of supported projects, on issues most relevant to Africa’s climate vulnerabilities.

 

Following opening presentations by the eight teams, researchers explored the topic of seasonal forecasting in greater depth with weather and climate experts from ACMAD, AGRHYMET, the UK’s Hadley Centre, and American and Kenyan universities, and with representatives of humanitarian aid organizations such as the Red Cross, World Vision and Care International who make use of forecasts and advisories in their work on behalf of vulnerable communities. Discussions were facilitated using a “world café” process that allowed for progressively deeper sharing and exchange on related themes.

 

Key insights from the forum are captured in the synthesis paper below, under the editorial direction of scientists Alfred Opere, University of Nairobi, and Gina Ziervogel, University of Cape Town.

 

In closing remarks, IDRC President David Malone commended participants for the openness with which they shared experiences and initial findings from their research. He strongly encouraged researchers “to contribute to a global conversation” by pursuing publication – particularly in electronic form and through media such as video and television that make important ideas accessible to wider audiences.

 

Further information and presentations from the forum can be found on the AfricaAdapt website.