The exposure of fragile states to weather variability and climate change is relatively high, while access to information is usually low. At the same time, the economy and food security of fragile countries depend on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture. Satellite and meteorological tools can monitor resources and can provide a valuable contribution to forecasting weather variability to ultimately mitigate the impact of the climate.
A growing number of organizations provide local policymakers with information that should contribute to improve assessments and policies. These initiatives include, for instance, the Water Crisis and Displacement Risk Webtool of Deltares and IOM as part of the Water Peace and Security partnership. This tool estimates water availability, water quality and related human displacement risk in the Southern and Central governorates of Iraq. Another example is NASA Harvest which helps small-plot farmers in Mali monitor crop conditions and support their decision-making in times of limited rainfall. This way, crop failure and possible food shortages can be anticipated and acted upon.
However, solely having access to timely and accurate information is insufficient. The processing and sensemaking of data are crucial and an adequate response to the reality predicted by the tool, shape the impact. In this context, local knowledge should be taken into account. Local interpretation of data – regularly missing in such initiatives – is important to make the right contextualized decisions.
One successful example is how NASA’s satellite information has been implemented in refugee camp planning. Large numbers of Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh over the last years. Besides taking into account socioeconomic and gender factors when constructing and expanding shelters and camps, it is important to incorporate environmental factors as well. Winds, floods and landslides affect not only the camps but also the vulnerable communities hosting the refugees. Especially the landslides are perceived as dangerous, yet unpredictable to the local population. Support is essential, as NASA indicates:
“Bangladesh has seen steadily increasing rainfall totals over the past 50 years. Climate change is making monsoons in Asia more extreme, and it may be doubling the likelihood of extreme rainfall events even before monsoon season begins.”
Workshops and visits including international and local stakeholders have been organized to exchange information on the context, local needs and technical models. Now, satellite observations are shared daily and incorporated by camp managers in their decision making.
Learn more about the NASA project in Bangladesh here.
Photo credit: Chris Liverani/Unsplash