Empowering East African communities to adapt and thrive in changing climate patterns

East Africa’s communities face risks from fluctuating weather patterns and extreme climate events. An EU-funded project addressed these challenges with new forecasting tools, targeted training and collaborations that strengthened local readiness and resilience.

Climate Change and Environment

East Africa faces significant challenges from climate-related shocks as evidenced by prolonged droughts and severe flooding, which have left millions in need of assistance. The EU-funded CONFER(opens in new window) project brought together a multinational team including African partners to strengthen the region’s resilience to these climate impacts and reduce disaster risk. CONFER sought to improve the development, communication and uptake of climate services, focusing on key sectors such as water, energy and food security. These areas are particularly vulnerable to climate variability, especially changes in rainfall patterns, which significantly affect livelihoods. “The main goal was to co-produce actionable, tailored climate services in collaboration with users. By leveraging advanced modelling techniques, machine learning and participatory approaches, CONFER worked to provide tools and insights that empower communities to plan ahead and act proactively,” says Erik Kolstad, project coordinator. “As climate extremes such as droughts and flooding grow more frequent and severe, people in East Africa need solutions that allow them to act and plan better. That is where CONFER stepped in: addressing this need by combining science, collaboration and a strong commitment to meeting local needs,” adds Kolstad.

Advanced tools to boost climate resilience

CONFER united African and European partners to co-develop advanced climate services. Key activities included the creation of high-resolution forecasts for river streamflow and the timing of rainy season onset. It also introduced a machine learning model capable of predicting vegetation growth up to two months in advance. Another key output was the creation of the SeaVal software package designed for evaluating forecasts. This tool is now publicly available and specifically adapted to meet the needs of East African weather services. “CONFER does not stop at publishing scientific findings, we put a lot of emphasis on getting tools into use, supported by training and institutional buy-in,” explains Kolstad.

Building climate knowledge and local expertise

A major component of CONFER’s efforts was capacity building. The project provided hands-on technical training across 10 countries, facilitated extended research visits to Europe and launched a highly successful massive open online course (MOOC) for journalists, which trained over 240 participants, many of them women. CONFER also integrated its work into established frameworks like the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum(opens in new window), ensuring that its tools and services reached national meteorological agencies and local decision-makers. These innovations are now being carried forward in a follow-up project – ACACIA. “We did not just develop tools. As much as we could, we worked side by side with local experts and users to ensure these tools would be understood, used and sustained beyond the project lifespan,” highlights Kolstad.

Shaping a sustainable future with better preparedness and stronger alliances

CONFER created a lasting impact in the fight against climate challenges. It improved forecast usability, trained hundreds of practitioners and fostered a stronger science-policy interface. Project work enhanced early warning systems, particularly through integration with platforms like ICPAC’s East Africa Hazard Watch(opens in new window). By focusing on co-production and long-term partnerships, it laid the foundation for more equitable and effective climate services in the region. Communication efforts also made a difference. The MOOC and media engagement initiatives significantly improved climate risk reporting by journalists. "CONFER’s legacy is not just about better forecasts. It is about smarter decisions, stronger preparedness and deeper partnerships for climate resilience in Africa. We hope it serves as a model for how science, policy and community engagement can come together to create sustainable and effective climate services,” concludes Kolstad.