Strengthening Early Warning Systems and Climate Services in Eswatini

Summary 

This project aims to help address gaps in Eswatini's early warning systems which include a limited understanding of current and future climate risks, poor monitoring and forecasting of climate-related hazards, inadequate packaging and communication of warnings, restricted adaptive responses to impending disasters and constrained planning for slow onset hazards. The project was funded by the Italian Government.

Background

Several studies conducted in Eswatini indicate that the country is particularly vulnerable to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, floods, severe lighting, wind/hailstorms and other climate-related episodes. Despite the establishment of the Early Warning System within the Eswatini National Meteorological Services a few years ago, the service is still not effective in generating knowledge on climate change risks, vulnerabilities and hazards thereby inhibiting the country from effective planning, monitoring, mitigating and adapting to climate change. 

Major Achievements

  • 10 new Automated Weather Stations installed and operationalised.
  • Eight river flow gauging stations were installed.
  • Computer room upgraded.

For more information about this project, contact UNDP Sustainability Specialist, Mangaliso Mohammed, at mangaliso.mohammed@undp.org   

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