Climate change is now a common occurrence, exacerbating underdevelopment, poverty, and vulnerability in developing nations, including the IGAD region. Climate variability, marked by unpredictable and severe weather events like droughts, floods, and landslides, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and livelihoods. Historically, climate services have played a vital role in enhancing safety and efficiency across sectors such as land use, maritime, aviation, and transportation. These services assist communities in preparing for and responding to extreme weather events, facilitating informed decision-making in weather-sensitive economic sectors.

This policy brief focuses on providing evidence on the socio-economic value of climate services in the ClimSA pilot countries (Kenya and Uganda), and where possible applying the results broadly across the region.

Key Messages

• The IGAD region is highly vulnerable to climate change; and vulnerability is exacerbated by the structural issues reinforcing poverty, inequality, and deprivation in the society, thus impacting the poor most.
• Recognize Climate Services as a Human Right: Champion climate services as a fundamental human right, essential for safety, and poverty reduction, in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and African Union Agenda 2063
• Prioritize Climate Services in Budgeting: Kenya, investment in climate services is estimated to generate about US$ 281.6 million annually in revenue gains from smallholder farmers alone when other sectors are not included.
• Mainstream Climate Services into Policies: The utilization of Climate Services was linked to improved household food security.