Overcoming data and governance challenges for anticipatory action in Ethiopia

Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) have been working with government and UN stakeholders to establish a national FbF/anticipatory action system for effective early warning and early action, including the National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) and the National Met Agency.

Abraham Tesfaye from ERCS discussed the key challenges experienced especially related to data and governance, including 1) the diverse and complex topography making it difficult to develop forecasts, 2) Remote and inaccessible areas making dissemination difficult, 3) Limited data quality and accessibility causing delays for developing risk analysis, triggers and impact-based forecasting, 4) Poor coordination and communication especially for indigenous communities, and 5) limited understanding of anticipatory action at the community level.

He also highlighted the importance of engaging with key government agencies to fill the data gaps, including establishing MoUs, and utilising national societies and other local groups to fill the communication and coordination gaps. 

Watch the video summarising the project here.