Building Resilience Across Africa: Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement for Disaster Risk Reduction at WASCAL, Accra,Ghana

March 2024: West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) in Accra Ghana hosted the Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement Meeting, convened under the banner of the Network of Centres of Excellence (NoE) for Disaster Risk Reduction  - Phase II. The meeting brought together representatives from 11 organizations, research institutions, and government bodies, including the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, Ghana Hydrological Authority, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The meeting opened with a comprehensive introduction to the NoE – Phase II project, led by key facilitators and stakeholders such as Mekailah Stephens from UNDRR and Dr. Seyni Salack from WASCAL, Representatives from various organizations, including Ghana's National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT)

The vision for NoE-II is simple yet crucial: to enhance the capacity of institutions in Africa to better predict, manage, and mitigate the impacts of disasters. As climate risks became more pronounced across the continent, the need for early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and cross-border cooperation became urgent. This project particularly focuses on Mozambique, Uganda, and Ghana, countries that, due to their geographic vulnerabilities, have faced an increasing frequency of floods, storms, and droughts.

In the meeting, the following objectives, struck at the heart of what the three target countries needed most: better data, better communication, and more actionable strategies in the face of natural hazards. Enhancing the knowledge and accessibility of risk information for Early Warning and Early Action (EW/EA), Strengthening the capacities of institutions and stakeholders in the participating countries and Accelerating the establishment of a robust coordination framework for the proposed African NoE network.

One recurring theme from the discussions was the integration of indigenous knowledge into disaster management systems. Many participants emphasized the need to blend modern technological advancements, such as remote sensing and earth observation, with the invaluable insights held by local communities. As climate change increasingly altered familiar weather patterns, traditional knowledge could serve as an anchor to better interpret early warning signs, especially in rural areas.

Another pressing issue was the necessity of capacity building in data management and analysis. Some other institutions expressed their desire for training in areas like Python programming, the use of satellite imagery, Hydrological modeling, Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), Tools and Methods for Developing Multi-Hazard Risk Information and Multi-Hazards Impact-Based Forecasting and Disaster Risk Financing.

The meetings in Accra set the stage for future progress. Over the next few months, training sessions would be rolled out in Mozambique, Uganda, and Ghana, equipping local institutions with the knowledge and tools they needed. The eventual goal? A continent-wide network of resilience, where disaster risks were not just predicted but proactively mitigated.