Natural Hazards and Climate Change in Kenya: Minimizing the Impacts on Vulnerable Communities Through Early Warning Systems - Reducing Disaster: Early Warning Systems for Climate Change - page 356

this section and within existing literature, are opportunities for improvements in the
fi eld of DRR in SSA.

19.7 Recommendations and a Way Forward

Hydro-meteorological disasters are an inevitable reality for many developing
nations, and it is essential that they improve their EWS system to be adequately
prepared for the future (Lott et al. 2013 ). There is consensus that effective early
warning should be inclusive of vulnerable groups or communities; have strong fi eld-
based networks of monitors; use multiple sources of information, both quantitative
and qualitative analytical methods; capitalize on appropriate communication and
information technology; and have a strong link to responders or response mecha-
nisms (Otiende 2009 ). With a focus on the necessary integration of local communi-
ties into EWS, the following recommendations are proposed as step forward to
improve DRR and EWS in Kenya - and possibly in other regions of SSA.
Obviously lack of funding remains a major obstacle to improved disaster risk
reduction (DRR) and early warning systems. Despite a massive risk of hazards and
a signifi cant number of people affected each year, over the past 20 years, Kenya has
received very low donor fi nancing for DRR: just 4.04 dollars per capita (Caravani
and Sparks 2012 ). Additional fi nancing will be needed.

19.7.1 Participatory Rural Appraisal

Discussions between experts and rural community or village (on seasonal calen-
dars, pictures for the illiterate, etc.) can help understand what the community prob-
lems are when facing disaster risks and how they could be integrated as active actors
within the EWS process: hence, vulnerability, needs, and capacity assessments can
contribute to fi nd possible solutions to their situation (Zschau and Küppers 2003 ).
Discussion sessions with the communities can also provide an understanding of
capacity building needs and an assessment on the vulnerable groups in the area that
can become the focus of the EWS process.

19.7.2 Formation of Community-Level Groups

A specifi c fl ood prevention group should be established in every community with a
variety of actors including non-governmental organizations (NGO) and community-
based organizations (CBO), members who can have contact with key stakeholders
and/or access to information transfer (computer, Internet, etc.), elite persons (local
government) or religious leaders who have infl uence within the community, local