1 Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Risk Management in Western Kenya Gilbert Ong'isa Oum a Project Leader, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC)

2 Background Over 70% of natural disasters occurring in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) region are weather/climate related The most common are floods and droughts that often result in untold suffering of the communities Source: ICPAC Photo archive

3 Background Intensities and frequencies are increasing, relentlessly increasing the vulnerabilities of at-risk communities

4 Background There is need for an effective early warning system responsive to the needs of at-risk communities There are four components of early warning systems: risk knowledge, warning service, dissemination and capacity to respond This project mainly addresses warning and dissemination It is implemented by ICPAC and funded through CCAA program

5 What is ICPAC IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center is a specialized institution of IGAD. Mission:  provide timely early warning information  support specific sector applications to enable the region cope with various risks associated with extreme climate variability and change 

6 About the CCAA program Launched in 2006 by UK’s DFID and Canada’s IDRC - Initial funding of CAD 65 million Largest single research and capacity building initiative focusing on adaptation in Africa Goal: To significantly improve African capacity to adapt to climate change in ways that benefit the most poorest and most vulnerable individuals Currently supporting some 25 research and capacity building projects across the continent

7 Linking science and indigenous knowledge Modern science provides reasonably accurate seasonal climate forecasts But many local communities still rely on indigenous knowledge (IK) to guide their planting, harvesting and other agricultural activities, to minimize climate risk Communities are still vulnerable, despite availability of both IK and scientific forecasts To address this, the project is investigating the integration of the two domains of knowledge – the best from both worlds

8 Linking science and indigenous knowledge Nganyi community was selected based on results of an earlier UNEP funded project “Indigenous Knowledge for Nature Conservation and Disaster Management in Kenya” Part of the Luhya community in western Kenya with a long history of “rain making”

9 Demystification of the Nganyi community IK Data collection Analysis and Interpretation

10 Developing a sustainable framework for integrating IK and western climate risk “... sent by the Nganyi (the famous rainmaker) to collect chicken as a token to elicit Nganyi’s goodwill, in order to bring rain (it had been quite dry for some time by then).” (Prof. Wasao, 2008) Source of livelihood, shrouded in secrecy Building trust between the collaborators Protection of the Nganyi rights Allow for sharing of knowledge and information

11 Develop and disseminate integrated seasonal climate forecasts After Climate Outlook Forum, Kenya Met downscales forecast Nganyi clans meet and agree on their forecast Project brings together both groups to discuss and agree on local forecast Integrated forecast disseminated by indigenous and modern methods

12 Develop climate change scenarios Climate change will seriously affect the IK indicators - already happening –Disappearance of species Develop scenarios Develop curriculum Integrate IK and western science disaster risk reduction for capacity enhancement at the community and other educational levels

13 What has been done so far Data collection – Meteorological – Indigenous Analysis ongoing – Climate, botany, zoology, cosmology, astronomy – Gender Conversation around rights ongoing One season integrated forecast done

14 Expected Outcomes Increased use of climate information by the community members in planning their activities Mutual trust and free flow of information between IK and modern climate scientists A book documenting the history and practices of the Nganyi community Sustainable disaster risk management incorporating IK

15 Challenges Building of trust – Acceptance of the modern science forecasts – Between IK and modern climate scientists Sourcing and authenticating information Meteorological data within the project area Integration of the forecasts

16 Thank you for listening