Somalilandsun: This project report provides a summary of the Climate Baseline Statistics for Somaliland, as derived from a workshop on area specific analysis of climate data. The analysis generated and mapped location-specific basic statistics including mean, trends, Maximum and Minimum temperatures as well as other space- time climate characteristics that are required to provide local climate risk knowledge including those required for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The main goal of the Rural Livelihood’s Adaptation to Climate Change in the Horn of Africa – Phase II (RLACC II) by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) project in Somalia and Sudan is to improve the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities to climate change. The Somaliland project targets Awdal region and Woqooyi Galbeed region
The key highlights from Awdal and Woqooyi Galbeed, Somaliland climate baselines included:
Significant space-time variations were observed in rainfall characteristics in Somaliland (Awdal region and Woqooyi Galbeed region). The location to location variation in rainfall amounts as well as the observed rainfall trends is now well documented. There is clear evidence of recurrences of above and below normal rainfall extremes with indications of changes in frequency and severity of the above and below rainfall events that are often associated with droughts and floods. Some of the observed climate extremes occurred during ENSO and positive/negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) years, making ENSO and IOD based prediction and early warning extremely useful in the local climate risk management.
Increases in mean, maximum and minimum temperatures were observed at all locations within Somaliland (Awdal region and Woqooyi Galbeed region). Although increasing trends were evident in all places consistent with global warming trends being observed worldwide, the short duration of data used could not enable an associate the observed warming trends to climate change and global warming signals.
The observed climate extremes such as floods and droughts that are common in the area often had far reaching socio-economic implications that include lack of water and food; migrations, human conflicts, unemployment, loss of life, etc. The climate risks seem to be increasing the vulnerability of the poor local community.
The observed climate related risks emphasized the need for reliable, accurate and timely climate information that requires investment in weather observation instruments, data management, prediction and early warning systems, as well as capacity building for all including climate scientists, policy makers, and the sector specific climate sensitive local users.
The climate data and the derived products and information including those associated with climate change provides a basis for investment in effective and well integrated strategies for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and build climate change resilience in all development plans that are locally-driven, gender-sensitive, participatory and fully transparent, taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems.
There is clear need for enhanced district level institutional framework and integrated policies, coordination and collaboration in the local use
Climate Trends over Awdal & Woqooyi Galbeed, Somaliland
Key Messages
Significant space-time variations were observed in rainfall characteristics in Somaliland (Awdal region and Woqooyi Galbeed region).
Increases in mean, maximum and minimum temperatures were observed at all locations within Somaliland (Awdal region and Woqooyi Galbeed region).
Climate related risks emphasized the need for reliable, accurate and timely climate information that requires investment in weather observation instruments, data management, prediction and early warning systems, as well as capacity building for all.
Follow link below to Read full report on Climate Trends over Awdal & Woqooyi Galbeed, Somaliland
Somaliland: Historical Climate Baseline Statistics for RLACC Sites in Awdal and Maroodijeeh Regions
