Rwanda has joined twelve countries in Africa as a member of RANET, an international program that makes weather, climate and other related issues more accessible to the population. This was revealed to The New Times by Rwanda Meteorology Service last week.

John Ntaganda, coordinator of Rwanda Meteorology Services confirmed the development, saying the move aims at having the population know more about natural hazards and how to prepare for such calamities.

He said that the country is now a member of RANET and the installation of satellite radio and internet equipment which will help the dissemination of needed information was in progress.

"The program combines innovative technologies with appropriate applications and partnerships at the community level in order to ensure that the networks serve the entire community,” said Ntaganda.

The consortium that comprises RANET is a varied list of organizations who believe that environmental information, is a vital component of any sustainable development strategy.

He said RANET activities include; creating awareness and updating weather forecasts to all member countries, training, partnership development, pilot activities to demonstrate various community technologies, broadcast management, and development of a dissemination network through partnership and platform development.

In Rwanda, the satellite radio will also be installed soon after it acquires the equipment through the tender board.

The radio and internet program will also enable farmers in rural communities to have timely access and use of climate information forecasts and other development information on the internet, by using satellite radio equipment. 

Rwanda Meteorology Service is one of the basic components of the national infrastructure, established after independence with the purpose of contributing to social, economic and environmental development.

"This will enhance the improvement of agricultural conditions, hence high production output.”

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