WISER: Driving change in climate information to spur Africa’s development: Policy and Enabling Environment Component

Abstract

Africa’s exposure to climate change puts decades of progress in development and poverty reduction at risk while threatening the livelihoods of millions. Climate shocks and stresses are compromising bright growth prospects in the continent’s core economic sectors – from agriculture to infrastructure, forestry to fishing. And as weather events become more frequent and severe, so the impacts on Africa’s economy and its people will deepen. Since 1980, more than 420 000 Africans have died from climate-related events. Economic damages caused by extreme weather including floods, storms and droughts have reached at least US$9bn. The WISER program aims to increase the use of reliable weather and climate services in decision making at regional, national, sectoral and community levels across sub-Saharan Africa. This will be demonstrated by: Tailored, reliable climate information services, available and accessible to users; Growing awareness of the value of climate services, leading to rising demand; Increased capacity of users to use climate information in decision making; Growing strength and status of Met Offices and capabilities in African research communities.