Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) has called for the early utilization and adaptation of relevant tools that would enable the capture and dissemination of accurate information in order to manage extreme climate risks.
“A well-functioning early warning system is an adaptive measure for climate change, which uses integrated communication systems to help vulnerable communities prepare for hazardous climate-related shocks. Such a system comes with wide-ranging benefits such as saving lives and livelihoods, safeguarding productive land and infrastructures, and supports long-term sustainability,” EIF Manager for Corporate Communications, Lot Ndamanomhata told a IREMA Training of Trainers on Community Based Early Warning Systems in Khorixas.
“This conforms to the mission of the EIF which aims to promote sustainable economic development of Namibia through investment in and promotion of activities and projects that protect and maintain the natural and environmental resources of the country.”
The EWS will alert communities under threat of an imminent disaster to undertake proactive actions built upon the four EWS components: (i) hazard detection, monitoring and forecasting; (ii) analysing risks and incorporation of risk information in emergency planning and warnings; (iii) disseminating timely and “authoritative” warnings; and (iv) community planning and preparedness.
“This will address adaptation needs of smallholder farmers through access to accurate and up-to-date climate information to enhance adaptation responses. This intervention would go a long way in minimising current steps or procedures undertaken before early warning messages reach the intended populations at risk,” he said.
Ndamanomhata said the development of an Early warning system tailored for the Kunene Region will not only assist communities and public institutions in their planning, but will also help preserve essential financial resources in the long run, thereby protecting the local and national economy.
“Early warning information empowers people to take action prior to disasters,” he said.
The EIF, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, is implementing a Green Climate Fund (GCF) financed project titled: “Improving Rangeland and Ecosystem Management Practices of Smallholder Farmers under Conditions of Climate Change in Sesfontein, Fransfontein, and Warmquelle Areas in Kunene Region (IREMA).
The broad aim of the project is to reduce the vulnerability of smallholder farmers under climate change conditions by safeguarding natural capital that generate ecosystem services to sustain agricultural production systems.
