Title: From Forecasts to Action: The Role of Early Warning Systems in Climate Risk Reduction in Africa
Authors: Fahadi Bakaki, Pius Mbuya Nina
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 377-385
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
The United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative aims to ensure universal protection from climate and weather-related hazards by 2027. As climate change intensifies extreme events, early warning systems (EWS) have become central to disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and resilience building, particularly in vulnerable regions. This paper examines the role of EWS in managing climate risks, with a focus on droughts in Africa, and analyses the main barriers to their effective implementation. Using evidence from international frameworks, scientific literature, and the Kenya Drought Management System, the paper demonstrates that EWS enhance climate risk management by improving climate information generation, strengthening understanding of hazards, risks and vulnerabilities, supporting resilient livelihoods and infrastructure, and fostering co-production between climate information producers and users. However, their effectiveness is constrained by social, technical, institutional, and environmental barriers, including limited political will, weak coordination, inadequate community engagement, insufficient infrastructure, data reliability challenges, and uncertainty in climate forecasting. Addressing these barriers is essential for EWS to trigger timely, actionable responses and reduce climate-related losses.