PRESASS seasonal forecasts and operationalisation of ClimSA regional user interface platforms (PIUR)

The Regional Forum on Seasonal Forecasts of the agro-hydro-climatic characteristics of the rainy season for the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of West Africa and the Sahel (PRESASS), 2024 edition was held from 22 to 26 April 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Organised by the Regional Climate Centre for West Africa and the Sahel (AGRHYMET-CCR AOS) of the Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), the results of the workshop of the Regional Forum on Seasonal Forecasts of the agro-hydro-climatic characteristics of the rainy season for the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of West Africa and the Sahel (PRESASS) are intended to strengthen regional seasonal forecasts.

As part of the implementation of the project ‘Capacity building and operationalisation of the Regional Climate Centre for the Sahel and West Africa (ClimSA)’, three regional user interface platforms (PIUR) have been set up, notably on: Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Disaster Risk, and Climate Security and Conflict Risk. GWP West Africa is a member of the ‘Water Resources and Disaster Risk’ platform, where it holds the position of platform rapporteur.

The meeting was attended by the CILSS AGRHYMET Regional Centre, ACMAD, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (SNMH) of CILSS and ECOWAS Member States, River Basin Organisations, ECOWAS, GWP-WA and other civil society organisations.

The meeting issued the PRESASS communiqué containing essential information for decision-makers, populations and especially farming communities on the major forecasts for the 2024 rainy season in West Africa and the Sahel.           

Funding was provided through projects financed by the European Union, USAID, the World Bank and the African Development Bank.