The session focused on understanding the current state of triggers for early action in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Specifically, the different components of existing Early Action Protocols, mainly the lead time, trigger thresholds, forecast sources, and early actions, and how decision-making on early actions differ based on hazard type, gaps in trigger methodologies, and reliable information.
The main reflection from the Mozambique session was that challenges exist for all hazards when designing robust, impact-based, triggers, due to the dearth of updated and reliable data. As the Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies and governmental departments aim to have good indicators and trigger thresholds, formation of a national level Technical Working Group, including a variety of regional partners, can be a good platform for developing well defined and competent methodologies and early actions.
In Zimbabwe the main focus of partners is on drought, prioritising food security and agriculture. There is significant potential in the alignment of the triggers, but also alignment of communication. FAO and RCRC models use various indicators to forecast drought impacts, resulting in different warning levels. To better align, a community of practice was recently set up.