3rd International Conference Natural Hazards and Risks in a Changing World Addressing Compound and Multi-Hazard Risk, 12-13 June 2024, Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Northern Tanzania, the agricultural sector's dependence on rain-fed systems makes local livelihoods vulnerable to erratic rainfall and extended droughts. Traditional early warning systems often fail to meet the specific needs of farmers, thereby limiting their effectiveness. To address this challenge, we implemented a participatory action research project that actively engaged farmers from three distinct climatic zones: the high, middle, and lower. Our approach utilized participatory methods such as surveys, focus group discussions, and iterative design workshops to ensure that the early warning system (EWS) we developed was tailored to the community's needs and priorities.
Our project led to co-designing an EWS incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) weather stations, remote sensing data, and accessible communication channels. This system is designed to provide timely and actionable information on droughts and rainfall events, empowering communities to proactively anticipate and adapt to climatic variations. The distinct impacts of climate change across the different zones were evident: while the high and middle zones experienced more pronounced variability in rainfall, the lower zone faced more significant challenges, with drought affecting crop productivity.
The early warning system developed through this project is crucial for informing the community about upcoming rainfall and potential drought conditions. The participatory approach facilitated the development of a more effective system and enhanced community trust and engagement. However, we encountered challenges such as limited technological literacy and access to data, which highlighted the need for ongoing capacity-building and inclusive knowledge-sharing strategies.
