The Ministry of Environment and Tourism, through the Department of Meteorological Services, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), has taken a significant step toward strengthening national disaster preparedness by convening a two-day Technical Preparation and Baseline Consolidation Workshop on Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF). The workshop was held from 2 to 3 June 2026 in Gaborone and brought together key stakeholders responsible for forecasting, disaster response and community resilience planning. It reflects a growing focus on ensuring that weather and climate information does not remain technical data alone, but becomes actionable guidance that can protect lives and livelihoods. The initiative aligns with government priorities to improve early warning systems and enhance coordination between institutions that respond to climate and weather-related hazards. It also signals a shift toward more people-centred forecasting approaches that respond directly to real-world risks.
The workshop forms part of the broader ActionFirst in Africa initiative, which aims to strengthen early warning systems across the continent by improving how forecast information is produced, shared and used. Under this approach, Impact-Based Forecasting is designed to go beyond traditional weather predictions by explaining what the forecast means in terms of potential impacts on people, infrastructure and economic activity. This ensures that warnings are easier to understand and more useful for decision-making at all levels, from government agencies to rural communities. The collaborative model used in the workshop brings together forecast producers, disaster management officials, sector representatives, community leaders and end-users in a shared design process. This helps close the gap between technical forecasting and practical response, making early warnings more relevant and timely. It also encourages joint ownership of the forecasting system, which improves trust and response rates during emergencies.
A key focus of the workshop was building a shared understanding of Impact-Based Forecasting and strengthening coordination among all participating institutions. Participants worked to clarify roles and responsibilities across the forecasting and disaster management chain to avoid duplication and delays during emergencies. This coordination is essential in ensuring that warnings are issued quickly and acted upon effectively when severe weather or climate hazards occur. The discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning national systems with regional and international best practices in disaster risk reduction. By strengthening institutional collaboration, the workshop aims to improve the speed and accuracy with which warnings are translated into action. This shared understanding is expected to support more consistent and reliable communication during future climate-related events.
Another important outcome of the workshop was the emphasis on improving warning communication through standardised and inclusive templates. These templates are designed to ensure that early warning messages are clear, consistent and accessible to all segments of society. Special attention was given to integrating Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion considerations into all communication tools and processes. This approach recognises that different groups experience disaster risks in different ways and may require tailored information to respond effectively. Participants explored ways to ensure that warning messages reach vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, women, children and remote communities. The goal is to reduce information gaps and ensure that no group is left behind when critical warnings are issued.
The workshop also focused on identifying practical and locally relevant early action protocols linked to forecast information. These protocols are intended to guide specific actions that should be taken before, during and after hazardous weather events based on forecast severity and expected impacts. Community knowledge and indigenous knowledge systems were also recognised as valuable inputs in shaping these protocols. This ensures that scientific forecasting is complemented by local experience and traditional understanding of environmental patterns. By integrating multiple knowledge systems, the approach becomes more grounded and responsive to real conditions on the ground. The resulting protocols are expected to improve preparedness at community level and strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters.
The successful convening of the workshop in Gaborone demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a more resilient and well-coordinated disaster risk management system. It highlights the importance of collaboration between meteorological services, disaster management institutions and communities in addressing increasingly complex climate risks. By advancing Impact-Based Forecasting, the country is positioning itself to deliver early warnings that are not only scientifically accurate but also meaningful and actionable. This marks an important step toward reducing the impact of extreme weather events and protecting vulnerable populations. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to guide future improvements in early warning systems and strengthen national readiness for climate-related challenges.
