Kampala, Uganda – The Network of Climate Journalists in the Greater Horn of Africa (NECJOGHA) will organize a “Climate Conversation” series on October 10, 2025, to highlight innovative approaches to bridge the critical gap in disseminating climate services to “last-mile” communities. This important event will showcase successful models and technologies empowering remote and underserved populations with vital climate information in a region highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
The Greater Horn of Africa faces frequent and severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, disproportionately affecting smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities. A lack of timely and accurate climate information can lead to significant economic losses, including crop failure and livestock loss. This conversation will underscore the urgent need for effective communication and dissemination of climate services to enable informed decision-making for livelihoods and safety
The event will showcase how various partners are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobile applications, and other digital platforms to overcome geographical, linguistic, and financial barriers. Real-world examples from across the region will be featured, including:
The DARAJA project in Sudan: This initiative utilizes AI and partnerships with telecom companies to disseminate climate information in conflict-affected areas. Esraa Elgadi, Program Manager for DARAJA Sudan Emergency Forecasting and Early Warning Service program, will present on their work.
M-Omulimisa in Uganda: Mr. Daniel Ninsiima, Managing Director and Co-founder of M-Omulimisa, will highlight their efforts with smallholder farmers, particularly women, in Uganda. They use mobile technology to provide tailored weather and market information.
The HUSIKA App: Edwin Kiplagat, Digital Communication Officer at the IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Centre (ICPAC), will present on the HUSIKA App’s role in delivering actionable early warnings to pastoralist communities in the Karamoja cluster.
The primary objectives of the virtual conversation will be to showcase innovative models, highlight the role of technology, promote best practices in communicating climate information, foster partnerships and collaboration, and demonstrate the tangible benefits of climate services.
Expected outcomes include increased user engagement with weather and climate services, knowledge transfer for climate journalists and communicators, improved usability and accessibility of climate products based on user feedback, and ultimately, enhanced decision-making for last-mile communities, leading to greater resilience and reduced losses.
The event will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including climate experts, media, communicators, meteorologists, journalists, policymakers, and users from last-mile communities, all crucial players in the climate information value chain.
The conversation will be moderated by Luganda David Nsiyonna, Team Lead at NECJOGHA.
Register in advance here: https://lnkd.in/dHtVUmMS
