EAC is developing a robust climate change network
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Hon. Jesca Eriyo has disclosed that the region is developing a robust climate information network that bridges climate service providers, producers and users.
The process involves partnerships with key stakeholders such as Feminine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET), Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development/SERVIR, IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre, through the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Taking part in a Panel Discussion in a side event themed Innovative Adaptation: How African Leaders are Tapping State-of-the-Art U.S. Climate Science and Data to build resilience organized by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at the US Centre in the ongoing 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) taking place in Bab Ighli in Marrakech, Morocco, Hon Eriyo said EAC is an agricultural economy whereby about 80% of the population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. “This illustrates how the regional economy is vulnerable to climate change and therefore the need to implement adaptation measure”.
Hon. Eriyo informed the audience on the ongoing climate vulnerability and impacts assessment (VIA) study which seeks to climate proof key productive sectors, promote alternative livelihoods and inform adaptation planning.
The Deputy Secretary General also applauded the USAID Support especially under Feed the Future programme which is implemented in line with agriculture and food security action plan.
She said the USAID supported interventions seek to improve the policy and regulatory environment for agricultural transformation and realization of the EAC regional integration agenda.
The Deputy Secretary General some of the regional challenges in adaptation programming, which include, among others; weak institutional capacity to assess vulnerability and implement climate change adaptation actions, and inadequate data/decision-support tools and frameworks for collaborative adaptation.
Other Panelists included Mr. Issifou Alfari from West Africa’s Agrometeorology, Hydrology, and Meteorology (AGRHYMET) Center; Mr. Birama Diarra from Mali’s National Directorate of Meteorology; and Ms. Fatoumata Nafo-Traore from the International Federation of Red cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Meanwhile the EAC Team at the COP22 in Marrakech led by the Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Jesca Eriyo today held bilateral meetings with several Partners that included the Washington-based Adaptation Fund, and the Swiss-based International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hon. Eriyo discussed with the Adaptation Fund officials the progress on EAC Accreditation application. She also discussed with the IUCN officials areas of deepening cooperation between the two organizations.