Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems in Uganda

Introduction

This project, "Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems in Uganda to support climate resilient development", responds to priorities and actions identified in the NAPA of Uganda which articulate the need for securing, transferring and installing critical technologies, as well as developing the necessary systems for climate change-related information to permeate into decision-making processes. The technologies required to achieve these aims will increase the capacity of the national early warning network to forewarn and rapidly respond to extreme climate events.

It is expected that as climate change unfolds the frequency and intensity of climate related shocks will change, therefore improving Early Warning Systems (EWSs) is one way to adapt to a changing climate. As an adaptive measure EWS also benefit the poorer segments of society, those who do not necessarily benefit from large protective infrastructure project. Furthermore, improving the EWS also provides benefits for long term planning and helps NHMS and other institutions build capacity to service other needs e.g. for land-use and agricultural planning, hydro-electric power etc.

For updates on UNDP Early Warning Systems and Climate Resilient Development projects in Africa, visit the UNDP-EWS Africa Blog.

 

Project details

The project is focused on strengthening the capacity of national and sub-national entities to monitor climate change, generate reliable hydro-meteorological information (including forecasts) and to be able to combine this information with other environmental and socio-economic data to improve evidence-based decision-making for early warning and adaptation responses as well as planningipment to receive real time climate and environmental information.

  • Output 1.6 Training of at least 3-5 officers to maintain and repair equipment, computer infrastructure and telecommunications (approx. $100,000).

Outcome 2. Efficient and effective use of hydro-meteorological and environmental information for making early warnings and long-term development plans.

  • Output 2.1 NHMS capacity to make and use climate forecasts (on daily to seasonal, as well as medium- to long-term timescales) is strengthened by training at least 4 forecasters. (approx. $100,000)
  • Output 2.2 Tailored sector-specific early warning products that link climate, environmental and socio-economic information on a range of timescales are developed, based on identified user needs.
  • Output 2.3 National capacity for assimilating forecasts and monitoring into existing development planning, PRSPs and disaster management systems is built.
  • Output 2.4 Communication channels and procedures for issuing warnings (through both governmental and non-governmental agencies) are enabled (e.g. radio, newspapers, mobile phones, television etc).
  • Output 2.5 Plan for sustainable financing for the operation and maintenance of the installed EWS developed and implemented. (approx. $100,000)

Outcome 3. All components of implemented EWS are able to function as an integrated system within and between countries

  • Output 3.1 Technical guidance and training delivered to all relevant country agencies on selection and identification of cost effective technologies, including climate monitoring equipment, tailoring of climate information and generation of technically robust warning messages.
  • Output 3.2 Key stakeholders trained on installation of new equipment, warning products and systems in coordination with other ongoing initiatives, including supporting and strengthening EWS related activities (equipment purchases, telecommunications, computer systems, decision support tools) implemented through other initiatives
Signature programmes: 
Climate Information and Early Warning Systems
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Thematic areas: 
Infrastructure/Climate Change Risk Management
Level of intervention: 
National
Key collaborators: 
National governments
Implementing agencies and partnering organizations: 
Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment
Uganda Department of Disaster Preparedness and Management
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Project status: 
Completed
Financing amount: 
$4,000,000
Co-financing total: 
$23,664,000

Key results and outputs

Project Objective: To strengthen the climate monitoring capabilities, early warning systems and available information for responding to climate shocks and planning adaptation to climate change in Uganda.

Outcome 1: Enhanced capacity of national hydro-meteorological (NHMS) and environmental institutions to monitor extreme weather and climate change.

  • Output 1.1 Procurement and installation or rehabilitation (in case of existing) of approximately 10+ hydrological monitoring stations with telemetry, archiving and data processing facilities.
  • Output 1.2 Procurement and installation or rehabilitation of 20+ meteorological monitoring stations with telemetry, archiving and data processing facilities.
  • Output 1.3 Procurement and installation or rehabilitation of radar for monitoring severe weather.
  • Output 1.4 Procurement and installation or rehabilitation of upper air monitoring stations
  • Output 1.5 Procurement and installation or rehabilitation of satellite monitoring equipment to receive real time climate and environmental information.
  • Output 1.6 Training of at least 3-5 officers to maintain and repair equipment, computer infrastructure and telecommunications (approx. $100,000).

Outcome 2. Efficient and effective use of hydro-meteorological and environmental information for making early warnings and long-term development plans.

  • Output 2.1 NHMS capacity to make and use climate forecasts (on daily to seasonal, as well as medium- to long-term timescales) is strengthened by training at least 4 forecasters. (approx. $100,000)
  • Output 2.2 Tailored sector-specific early warning products that link climate, environmental and socio-economic information on a range of timescales are developed, based on identified user needs.
  • Output 2.3 National capacity for assimilating forecasts and monitoring into existing development planning, PRSPs and disaster management systems is built.
  • Output 2.4 Communication channels and procedures for issuing warnings (through both governmental and non-governmental agencies) are enabled (e.g. radio, newspapers, mobile phones, television etc).
  • Output 2.5 Plan for sustainable financing for the operation and maintenance of the installed EWS developed and implemented. (approx. $100,000)

Outcome 3. All components of implemented EWS are able to function as an integrated system within and between countries

  • Output 3.1 Technical guidance and training delivered to all relevant country agencies on selection and identification of cost effective technologies, including climate monitoring equipment, tailoring of climate information and generation of technically robust warning messages.
  • Output 3.2 Key stakeholders trained on installation of new equipment, warning products and systems in coordination with other ongoing initiatives, including supporting and strengthening EWS related activities (equipment purchases, telecommunications, computer systems, decision support tools) implemented through other initiatives

Monitoring and evaluation

The implementation of the project’s activities will reflect UNDP-GEF monitoring and evaluation standards and procedures, in line with the requirements of the LDCF. Details for monitoring and evaluation will be articulated during the project devel819629 Content-Disposition: form-data; name="field_project_contacts[und][1][field_contact_affiliation][und]"

Contacts

UNDP
Mark Tadross
Regional Technical Advisor
mark.tadross@undp.org
The project helps to make tailored weather and climate information accessible to local communities in the Teso and Mt Elgon sub-region.