Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
19.7.5
Improve the Communication with Local Actors
Signifi cant gaps in climate information communication, especially with remote
areas in Kenya, must be identifi ed and addressed in SSA as they remain a hindrance
to improving EWS. Even though projects such as Radio and Internet for the
Communication of Hydro-Meteorological and Climate Related Information
(RANET) have tried to fi ll communication gaps using satellite radio and low-tech
communication devices, this idea remains very limited in many countries. There is
a large window of opportunity for research in the use of mobile phone, for instance,
in order to disseminate EW at all levels; pilot initiatives have done this with success
and results must be up-scaled (see next section about social media and EWS).
In addition, communication of climate information must be simplifi ed. In gen-
eral, climate information remains too complex and probabilistic for general under-
standing. This information is also limited to the national level, as station level
forecasts are not provided. In this context, climate information may not be a useful
decision-support tool. Ideally, “retailed” farm-level information would be available
and delivered with understandable and actionable options for farmers, for instance,
using intermediates such as local extension offi cers.
19.7.6
Support Local Development
Responses to EWS require farmers to have resources (in addition to knowledge) to
implement prevention measures. One possibility relies on using insurance to cover all
risks when farmers use new agricultural practices that are guided by climate predic-
tions. Not only would pilot farmers enjoy the benefi ts (in terms of increased yields)
of using climate predictions to guide agricultural practices, but others would also be
able to see potentially improved harvests, for example, a “demonstration effect.”
Building capacities to face disaster risks at the local level also implies improving
development by strengthening women's economic opportunities, developing com-
munication and transportation infrastructure, investing in education for the children,
supporting social networks, etc. In all, DRR and EWS are not separate from other
important development issues; they must be integrated to ensure better results in
terms of improved well-being, especially in the face of increased hydro- meteorological
disaster risks with climate change.
19.8
Innovative Solutions from Kenya: Social Media
19.8.1
Crowd Source Data
Innovative solutions are also emerging from Kenya. In late 2007, in the midst of
mass violence in Kenya, a non-profi t company called “Ushahidi” put to use for the
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