- Approximately 56.5 million people in the region face high levels of acute food insecurity.
- Climate change and extreme weather events are no longer a distant threat but a clear and present danger in our region.
Image: HANDOUT
The 68th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 68) opened on August 19, 2024, in Nairobi.
The Forum is expected to highlight the pressing need for immediate action to address the region's escalating climate challenges.
The forum, hosted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), brought together climate experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
In his keynote address, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized that climate change and extreme weather events are no longer distant threats but present dangers.
“This gathering is not just an event but a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to confronting the urgent and pressing climate challenges that continually test and strain our region’s resilience and coping mechanisms,” Dr Gebeyehu stated.
Dr Gebeyehu pointed out that the Greater Horn of Africa is increasingly affected by climate-induced weather extremes such as prolonged droughts, intense floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
These extremes have severe consequences for communities dependent on weather-sensitive resources, exacerbating food and water insecurity and increasing resource competition.
“Vulnerable communities, including subsistence farmers and pastoralists, face significant challenges such as loss of livelihoods, higher rates of illness, and even death. These issues strain our economy, cause displacement, and hinder development, ” he noted
Dr. Gebeyehu highlighted the centre’s efforts to provide advanced climate forecasting, early warning systems, and capacity-building programs.
“ICPAC’s work is instrumental in equipping national institutions with the tools and knowledge needed for climate-resilient practices,” he said.
“Through regional collaboration and knowledge exchange, IGAD supports member states in implementing effective climate adaptation strategies.”
The Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), a key institution under IGAD, plays a crucial role in supporting member states’ resilience to climate change.
The forum also addressed the critical issue of food insecurity in the region.
The Regional Food Security and Nutrition Working Group (FSNWG), co-led by IGAD and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reported that approximately 56.5 million people in the region face high levels of acute food insecurity.
Image: HANDOUT
Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized the urgency of addressing this crisis, noting that malnutrition affects over 11 million children under the age of five.
In addition to food insecurity, the region is grappling with disease outbreaks exacerbated by climate extremes and ongoing conflicts.
“Recent floods have increased the likelihood of water and vector-borne disease outbreaks, creating significant public health challenges. These issues further burden our vulnerable communities,” Dr. Gebeyehu explained.
Principal Secretary of the State Department for Environment Festus K. Ng’eno emphasized the importance of early warning systems saying that climate change and extreme weather events are no longer a distant threat but a clear and present danger in our region.
“These changes pose significant risks to our environment, economies, and societies. Early warning systems play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by providing timely information that allows individuals, communities, and organizations to prepare and respond effectively,” Ng’eno said
Ng’eno emphasized that the effectiveness of early warning systems depends on collective action and investment.
“We need to develop early warning protocols and educate our people about the risks of climate change and how to respond to early warnings. Investing in the development and maintenance of these systems is essential for reducing the damage caused by climate-related hazards,” he urged.
The collaboration between the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and ICPAC was also highlighted as a key factor in enhancing climate resilience.
Ng’eno praised the development of the National Framework for Climate Services, which has been approved by the Kenyan Cabinet and is pending official launch.
“This framework will support and strengthen the development, delivery, and use of climate services, aiding decision-making processes and addressing climate-related risks at both the national and county levels,” he said.
The GHACOF 68 forum underscored the urgent need for continued collaboration, innovation, and dedication to building resilience against climate change.
“Climate change does not recognize borders, so our efforts to address it should be integrated and inclusive. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve a more secure and resilient future for our region,” Dr. Gebeyehu asserted