Earlier this year, we launched our impact collaboration on enhanced community early warning systems in the Horn of Africa. 

After an evidence review, field work is about to begin in Kenya and Ethiopia. This community engagement phase aims to understand the barriers communities face to access and use early warning communications channels. It will also identify preferred channels of communications and explore opportunities to integrate community practices and traditional knowledge into early warning systems to improve their effectiveness.

Research teams from i-shamba (Kenya) and Maanshiil Consult (Ethiopia) will carry out focus group discussions and key informant interviews with a cross section of communities in Garbatulla (Pastoral) and Tharaka South (Agro-Pastoral) in Kenya, and in Danot (Pastoral) and Haroreys (Agro-Pastoral) districts in Ethiopia.

The selected communities are diverse covering different agroecological zones, rainfall, sources of livelihoods, types of livestock, remoteness and accessibility. They have differing levels of infrastructure such as access to telecommunications, water, mobility, and proximity to social services like schools and healthcare. This diversity is intentional, so that the engagement truly captures the unique needs of different populations.

Read more on Jameel Observatory for Food Security Eary Action page.