Network of Climate Journalists of Greater Horn of Africa (#NECJOGHA)

The Gu’ 2025 seasonal climate outlook, covering the critical period from March to May 2025, has been officially released. According to the Seasonal Climate Forecast issued by IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), Somalia’s Gu (April-May-June) is the main wet season in the country and is essential for supporting agricultural activities, replenishing water resources, and restoring pasture. Traditionally, the season begins as early as the second half of March, following the dry and hot Jilal season. This makes it the most important rainfall period for Somalia’s economy and food security. The outlook, developed through the collaborative efforts of the #Somalia National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) in partnership with World Meteorological Authority (WMO), FAO , and ICPAC , provides vital predictions to enhance early warning systems, improve disaster preparedness, and support climate-sensitive sectors. The forecast was shared during the NCOF event, which focused on strengthening climate services to build resilience and mitigate risks across the country.

Burao Workshop Prepares Somaliland for 2025 Gu’ Season with Participatory Scenario Planning Burao, Somaliland – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) Disaster Risk Management (DRM) team is holding a crucial three-day Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) workshop in Burao, Somaliland. Focused on the March-May 2025 Gu’ season, this workshop is a key activity under the “Reducing Impacts of Disasters Using the Anticipatory Action Framework” project. The initiative brings together local communities, government officials, and humanitarian actors to strengthen their capacity to collaboratively develop and utilize climate information. By combining scientific weather forecasts with valuable indigenous knowledge, the PSP process ensures that climate advisories are not only accessible but also practical and actionable for those most vulnerable to climate-related shocks. A central goal of the workshop is to ensure climate information reaches the “last mile” – the communities most at risk and reliant on timely, context-specific early warnings to safeguard their lives and livelihoods. Participants are working together to develop localized early warning messages and response strategies specifically tailored to the needs of Somaliland’s @GFFO project sites. This participatory approach is vital as it bridges the gap between complex climate science and effective community action. By engaging directly with those on the frontlines of climate change, the workshop aims to ensure that anticipatory measures are put in place well in advance of extreme weather events, ultimately mitigating their potential impacts and building greater resilience within these vulnerable communities. The PSP workshop represents a proactive step towards a more climate-resilient future for Somaliland.

Great to see such proactive measures being taken through the #UKaidWISER and DARAJA initiatives! The focus on safeguarding is crucial for fostering environments where all community members can participate safely and equitably. It’s inspiring to see the commitment to to reach the last meter

Uganda Multi-Hazard Report, January 2025 (Published: 13th February 2025) 🔥 Severe fires were the most reported hazard in the month of January 2025 in Buvuma, Buikwe, Apac, Adjumani and the Karamoja sub region in districts such as Kaabong, Moroto, Napak, Nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit. Heavy storms occurred in Kalangala and Bundibugyo district. 🌊 Hazards during the reporting period affected over 1,907 individuals (719 households), with 1,336 people from 501 households being internally displaced. 📢 The most affected age group were adults between 18 and 64 years (75%), followed by children below the age of 18 (21%) and elderly above 64 (4%). Notably, more than half of affected people were male (53%). 📣 As a consequence, urgent needs have emerged, with shelter, health, food assistance and NFIs as critical priorities in the aftermath of the reported hazards. 🔊 Infrastructure damage was significant, with 402 houses completely destroyed, 178 houses partially damaged, and 13 health facilities and 2 water facilities affected. #UgandaMultiHazardReport #Hazard

We are co-production weather and climate services in Kigoba district through participatory scenario planning with local stakeholders. IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC ) , in partnership with Department of of Uganda Meteorological Services under the @IntraClimSA program, is hosting the 4th such event in Kiboga District, Uganda. This workshop brings critical sectors like agriculture, food security, water, livestock, local community the environment, and local media to collaboratively generate climate data and advisories for the March-May 2025 period, ensuring that local communities get prompt and practical climate insights. #ClimateServices #EarlyWarning #MAMA2025 #ClimateServices #participatoryscenarioplanning #SeasonalForecast #climateoutlook

Day one at County Participatory Scenario Planning workshop in Tana River County was filled with collaborative efforts to integrate climate information with local knowledge. The workshop, aimed at enhancing community resilience, brought together various stakeholders to discuss and develop tailored climate advisories for the upcoming season March April May season 2025 . Participants from agriculture, water management, and local governance worked alongside meteorologists to co-produce actionable insights for early warning and adaptation strategies. This event was supported by WISER Kenya #WISERKenya ICPAC

🌧️The Ministry of Water and Environment's Department of Meteorological Services, in partnership with various stakeholders, has concluded the 6th National Climate Outlook Forum (#NCOF6). Held from the 13th to the 14th of February, this gathering was crucial for deepening our approach to climate preparedness through anticipatory action. The eagerly awaited downscaled seasonal forecast for March, April, and May 2025 is set to be officially released on February 28, 2025. Under the theme "Climate Services for Closing the Early Warning Gap Together," the forum emphasized the importance of actionable, timely, and accurate climate information to foster anticipatory action, thereby improving our readiness and response to climate-related challenges. The sixth National Climate Outlook Forum was supported by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC and the Intra-ACP Climate Services Programme (@intraacpclimsa). #ClimateServices

“As the IGAD region faces increasing climate variability and extremes—droughts, floods, and rising temperatures—platforms like #GHACOFs are essential for building a shared understanding of risks and fostering collaboration to mitigate their impacts.” Says Dr. Abdi Fidar, the Officer in Charge at @IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC ) #GHACOF69 💚https://lnkd.in/dC2VHX6q

Today, we are in Ethiopia, the Land of Origins, designing a seasonal media plan for the March-April-May (MAM) 2025 season. During the GHACOF69 event, organized by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the Network of Climate Journalists in the Greater Horn of Africa (NECJOGA) led the sessions. The Seasonal Media Action Plan serves as a key tool to help journalists plan their coverage of the season and gather feedback from their audiences. Developed in collaboration with journalists, this plan aims to effectively disseminate climate forecasts at the national level through media channels. By leveraging media platforms, the initiative seeks to enhance public awareness, preparedness, and decision-making, ensuring communities are better informed and resilient to seasonal climate variations.

📢 Media Invite 🌍 69th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (#GHACOF) 📅 20-21 Jan 2025 📍 Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa 🇪🇹 ⏰ 8:00 AM EAT Theme: Closing the Early Warning Gap Key: 👉MAM 2025 Climate Outlook 👉 Climate resilience strategies Info: +254112862395 / +254746511941 IGAD ICPAC Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI)