The CONFER project (2020–2024) was designed to address the challenges of climate variability in East Africa, a region highly vulnerable to extreme events such as droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns. These events pose significant risks to water, energy, and food security, directly impacting livelihoods and economic stability. Despite the growing importance of climate information for decision-making, limited access to reliable, actionable forecasts continues to hinder adaptive strategies across the region.
Climate variability disproportionately affects rural communities that depend on rain-fed agriculture and limited water resources, compounding existing vulnerabilities such as poverty, rapid population growth, and environmental degradation. In this context, the development of effective climate services—tailored, accessible tools that provide early warnings and planning support—is critical for building resilience and improving livelihoods.
CONFER aimed to co-develop innovative climate services for East Africa through an interdisciplinary and participatory approach. Its key objectives included advancing seasonal forecasting accuracy using state-of-the-art methods, such as machine learning and hydrological modelling, and creating tailored products to meet user needs. The project also prioritised building the technical capacity of ICPAC, NMHSs, and other stakeholders to generate, interpret, and disseminate climate information. Sustainability was a core focus, with efforts to embed services into operational systems and foster collaborations for long-term impact.
By addressing these objectives, CONFER sought to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and societal needs, contributing to regional resilience and sustainable development. Its co-production-driven approach ensured that end-users—farmers, water managers, energy planners, and policymakers—were integral to the design and implementation of climate services, enabling better adaptation to the challenges posed by climate variability.
