IGAD Emphasizes Crucial Role of Accurate Climate Data in Decision-Making

Addis Ababa: IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware, remarked at the official release of ICPAC's seasonal climate forecast for March to May (MAM) 2025, that accurate climate information is extremely important in decision-making.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has officially released the seasonal climate forecast for March to May (MAM) 2025 on Tuesday, predicting below-normal rainfall across much of the Greater Horn of Africa.The forecast was unveiled at the 69th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF69), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, highlighting the urgent need for anticipatory action and planning by policymakers and local communities.The March to May season is a crucial period for the equatorial regions of the Greater Horn of Africa, contributing up to 60 percent of annual rainfall in many areas. However, the latest forecast indicates a high likelihood of below-average rainfall in Somalia, eastern and northern Kenya, southern and northeastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, coastal Eritrea, western South Sudan, southern and western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and northwestern Tanzania. Wetter-than-normal conditions are expected in parts of Tanzania, eastern Uganda, and western Ethiopia.IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware stressed the importance of accurate climate information in decision-making. "It is essential to provide timely and actionable information to policymakers, enabling them to make anticipatory decisions that will have a meaningful impact on people's lives in the face of climate uncertainty," he said.Dr. Abdi Fidar, Officer-in-Charge at ICPAC, emphasized the need for effective communication, particularly with farmers and pastoral communities. "This information must be disseminated widely, especially to subsistence farmers and pastoralists, so they can make informed decisions about their livelihoods."Fetene Teshome, Director General of the Ethiopian Meteoro logical Institute (EMI), underscored the role of GHACOF in bringing together climate scientists and user communities to assess past trends and future predictions. "GHACOF 69 provides a platform for climate experts and stakeholders from key sectors to collaborate on climate risk management," he said.The seasonal outlook also suggests that temperatures will likely be warmer than normal across much of the region, with the highest probabilities in Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and northern Somalia. These elevated temperatures, combined with below-normal rainfall, are expected to have significant impacts on agriculture, water resources, and public health.Stakeholders are urged to take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the anticipated drought conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.Dr. Fidar reiterated the importance of regional cooperation, stating that platforms like GHACOF are vital for building a sh ared understanding of climate risks and fostering collective action.In closing, Mohamed Abdi Ware highlighted the need for holistic approaches to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and conflict. "Collaboration is key to ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for all," he emphasized.The GHACOF69 forum, held from January 20-21, 2025, brought together national meteorological and hydrological services, development partners, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing climate resilience in the region.