Strengthening climate services for resilient communities across the Greater Horn of Africa
The Greater Horn of Africa is highly exposed to recurrent droughts, floods, landslides, heatwaves and other climate-related hazards. These events affect food and water security, livelihoods, infrastructure, public health and economic development.
Although climate and early warning information is increasingly available, challenges remain in translating scientific forecasts into accessible and actionable information. Weak coordination, limited technical capacity, communication gaps and unequal access to climate services continue to restrict the ability of governments, institutions and communities to prepare for and respond to climate risks.
WISER PASS-EA addresses these challenges by strengthening the entire climate services value chain, from the production of forecasts at regional and national levels to their communication, interpretation and application by decision-makers and communities.
The project builds on the achievements and lessons of previous initiatives, including Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa (WISER), CONFER, ClimSA and Down2Earth, while encouraging greater collaboration and knowledge exchange among Regional Climate Centres across Africa.
Our Areas of Work
Strengthening climate science and forecasting
PASS-EA strengthens regional and national capacity to produce accurate sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasts using dynamical models, statistical methods, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The project also supports the expansion and operational use of ICPAC’s High-Performance Computing infrastructure and explores emerging climate service areas, including renewable energy forecasting.
Building institutional and technical capacity
The project provides continuous professional development through:
- Foundational Climate Prediction Training Workshops
- Pre-Climate Outlook Forum workshops
- Sub-seasonal forecasting training
- On-the-job training
- Knowledge-exchange visits
- Cross-regional learning among African Regional Climate Centres
These activities aim to institutionalise forecasting expertise and develop sustainable networks of climate professionals.
Supporting climate outlook forums and co-production
WISER PASS-EA supports the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forums, National Climate Outlook Forums and sub-national climate outlook forums.
These platforms bring together climate scientists, policymakers, sector experts, humanitarian organisations, the private sector, the media and community representatives to translate forecasts into practical advisories for sectors such as:
- Agriculture and food security
- Water resources
- Energy
- Health
- Disaster risk reduction
Improving communication and uptake
The project strengthens the ability of journalists, policymakers and sector institutions to interpret and communicate climate information accurately. Activities include media training, policymaker engagement, national synergy-building workshops, Seasonal Media Action Plans, climate risk schools and the use of digital platforms such as the East Africa Hazards Watch System.
Advancing inclusive climate services
Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion are mainstreamed throughout the project. PASS-EA seeks to address barriers that limit access to climate information for women, young people, persons with disabilities, older persons, pastoralists and communities in remote or underserved areas. The project will support the development of inclusive climate services, strengthen the capacity of gender focal persons and promote meaningful participation by vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Strengthening sustainability and climate governance
PASS-EA supports the integration of climate services into national policies, strategies, sector plans and budgets. It will also document the socioeconomic benefits of climate services to strengthen the investment case for sustained public and institutional financing.
Countries Covered
WISER PASS-EA supports eleven countries in the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum covered by the ICPAC Regional Climate Centre
- Burundi
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Strenghtening Climate Services to Reduce Risks and Build Resilient Communities in Africa
PASS-EA strengthens the production, communication and use of climate information across the Greater Horn of Africa. Through innovation, co-production and inclusive partnerships, the project empowers institutions and communities to anticipate climate risks, protect livelihoods and build resilience.
