This session facilitated an interactive conversation on how to ensure communities are involved in all stages of anticipatory action (AA), from the planning and design of early action protocols to its activation and monitoring, whilst also addressing the scepticism that exists around science and forecasting. A RANT activity enabled participants to share their frustrations on community engagement in AA. These included constraints with time and budgets to build relationships and understanding the needs of diverse communities, jargon and miscommunication, little attention being given to community benefits and cultural sensitivity and not closing the feedback loop. Using a Miroboard, the session facilitators then encouraged participants to contribute and add their good practice examples for community engagement in AA. This was supported by four example presentations:
Dr Jonathon Paul (Lecturer in Earth Science, University of London) shared his work on Nepal Citizen Science, where teachers in two secondary schools in Nepal were engaged, and a program encouraging school children to monitor rainfall in their communities was developed. Community environmental awareness was increased and information was relayed to scientists to verify rainfall forecasts and assist early action. Read more here. Ashraful Haque (START Network Bangladesh) used his experience on river bank erosion in Bangladesh communities to reflect on the importance of engaging community discussions in the initial stages of AA. Communities know exactly the context in which river bank erosion takes place and can therefore contribute in building lead time knowledge. We must transfer confidence into communities so they can act. Muluken Samuel (CEA Coordinator, Ethiopia Red Cross Society) discussed the Ethiopia Flood Early Action Simulation. During the simulation the 'warning message and trigger' were translated to engage communities in testing out the early actions, from cash for work for clearing drainage to practicing evacuation of their household belongings and livestock. Komunii Zauisomue (University of Namibia, Erlich Zauisomue) introduced the participatory Namibia Regional Drought Scoping Study. Community participants were split into different groups, for example separate genders, and were required to create historical profiles on past drought impacts. This enabled information to be gathered on different indicators based on how drought affects different members of the community, gaining a more holistic overview.
Concluding remarks highlighted the importance of continuous interaction as a practitioner and academic community, to encourage a mixture of youth and community engagement in early action. The session facilitators and participants agreed to continue using the Miroborard to share ideas, so please help us achieve this and contribute to our discussions here!