The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) has called on African governments to unlock climate research to enhance climate services and address the rising climate risks in the region.
The rallying call was made during a workshop organized by AIMS, from June 12 to June 16, 2023, at the Grand Legacy Hotel in Kigali, which brought together researchers, policymakers, and development agencies from across Africa to discuss climate change and resilient development on the continent.
Notable participants in the workshop included the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), African Union Commission (AUC), the World Bank Group, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) regional office for Africa, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, regional meteorological centers such as the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) and the West African regional climate center-AGRHYMET, and the Consortium International Agricultural Research Centre (CGIAR)
"The urgency to unlock climate research for climate services stems from Africa's high climate risk, characterized by increased frequency and intensity of hazards, high vulnerability, and inadequate responses and resources” explains the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Rwanda President Sam Yala.
Recent tragic events, such as the landslides in Rwanda which claimed over 130 lives, and the devastating flooding and mudslides in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that caused more than 440 deaths, highlight the pressing need for comprehensive climate information in Africa.
While Africa primarily relies on weather forecasts and seasonal predictions, climate scientists emphasize that climate change information for the medium and the long term is crucial for sustainable development as the climate warms.
AIMS asserts that investing in climate research is essential for Africa to achieve national development plans and the African development agenda (Vision 2063), enabling a better understanding of how future climate trends will impact our development sectors such as agriculture, health, water resources, energy, infrastructure, and biodiversity and ecosystems.
Through its Mathematical Sciences for Climate Resilience program, funded by the International Development Research Centre Canada (IDRC), AIMS is bridging the climate data and climate change information gaps in Africa. However, according to Mouhamadou Bamba Sylla, the AIMS-Canada Research Chair in Climate Change Science based in Kigali, more concerted efforts are necessary.
Sylla explains, "At AIMS, we have a mathematical and physics background. We have built and continue to build mathematical tools to address specific climate problems in Africa and provide solutions, including climate services."
At the same time, the Regional Programme Manager at World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Office for Africa Ernest Afiesimama highlighted the relevance of climate change information for medium and long-term planning, showcased by AIMS can support early action for adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Afiesimama emphasizes the importance of scientists directly communicating climate change information to governments and policymakers
Furthermore, all participants stressed the critical need for climate research funding in Africa.
The workshop's multidisciplinary participants fostered discussions on cross-cutting issues, shaping the direction of climate research efforts.
Sylla asked African governments to involve research scientists in continental and regional initiatives to incorporate climate services and climate change information.
"Our governments need to invest more in climate change research to inform development plans they have put in place. They may not be aware or may need to prioritize climate research," he asserted.
Despite Africa's minimal greenhouse gas emissions, the continent remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Sylla suggests that donors should proactively invest in climate research was done by Africans for Africa and adaptation measures.
Dr. André Kamga, Director-General of the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), emphasizes the need for AIMS to go for higher resolution models and processes to achieve early warning systems.
Researchers predict a hotter climate in almost the entire Africa during the mid and late 21st century. Alima Dajuma, co-author of the research paper "Projected Expansion of Hottest Climate Zones over Africa," advocates for energy-efficient building designs to cope with increased heat stress.
According to Frank Rutabingwa, Senior Regional Advisor at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Coordinator of the Weather and Climate Information Services for Africa Programme (WISER), disaster risk knowledge and climate services are crucial for climate resilience and adaptation in Africa. He acknowledges the importance of climate change information concerning floods, extreme precipitation, drought, and heat waves generated by AIMS.
Frank Rutehenda, the National Adaptation Project Coordinator at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), explains that their project aims to build the Rwandan government's capacity to integrate environmental and climate change considerations into government agencies and districts. He underscored the value of climate services in informing adaptive measures and early warning systems to enhance disaster resilience.