Syecomp recently participated in a panel discussion workshop on the topic: Climate and environmental services for Africa: Experiences on User Needs, User Standards, and Challenges.

The event was organized by the West African Science Services Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and the Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS).

Panelists

• Dr. Benjamin Lamptey (Ghana)

• Prof. Daniela Jacob (GERICS, Germany)

• Dr. Stephen Edward Moore (UCC, Ghana)

• Mr. Larry Komi Marcus ( Head of Farmer Credit & MEL, Syecomp, Ghana)

Moderator: Torsten Weber (GERICS, Germany)

Rapporteur: Amadou Barro and Mme Aminata Barry/Sidibe

Rationale: Africa, like any other region of the world, is continuously challenged by increasing climate change-induced risks that threaten lives, livelihoods, assets, physical environment, and overall human well-being. Most nations in the region lack the ability to manage the physical challenges arising from increasing surface temperature, rising sea level, extreme and compound climate events, climate-induced migration. These challenges stem the efforts of communities, socioeconomic gains and national development.

Climate and environmental services (CES) must be integrated and customized to address the complex and interconnected challenges of climate change in Africa. Hence, they will empower various sectors and communities to adapt, mitigate risks, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate, ultimately contributing to the continent's sustainable development. Addressing user needs, establishing user standards, and overcoming challenges are crucial for the successful implementation and impact of CES in Africa.

The panelists addressed the questions below:

Dr. Benjamin Lamptey (WASCAL, Ghana)

-  How do you assess and prioritize the specific climate information needs for different African regions?

-  What role can regional collaborations play in establishing common standards for climate and environmental services?

Prof. Daniela Jacob (GERICS, Germany)

-  What are the most critical climate-related challenges that policymakers are currently grappling with in your experience?

-  What standards or criteria are important for evaluating the reliability and relevance of climate and environmental services?

Mr. Larry Komi Marcus (Head of Farmer Credit & MEL of Syecomp, Ghana)

-  How can we address the challenge of communicating uncertainties and risks associated with climate information to users?

-  How do the needs for climate information vary among smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural policymakers?

Dr. Stephen Edward Moore (UCC, Ghana)

-  Are there specific data quality and availability challenges that you often face in your work?

-  How can we ensure that technological solutions are inclusive and accessible to a wide range of users with varying levels of technological literacy?

Email: dev@syecomp.com