Press and News AGRHYMET hosts strategic climate and hydrology meetings to strengthen resilience in West Africa and the Sahel
Niamey, NIGER – AGRHYMET Regional Climate Centre for West Africa and the Sahel (RCC-WAS) convened high-level strategic meetings on climate and hydrology to strengthen regional resilience.
A major outcome was the formal endorsement by national directors of a transition from a consensus-based to an objective approach for producing seasonal climate and hydrological forecasts across West Africa and the Sahel.
From 28 July to 1 August 2025, AGRHYMET Regional Climate Centre for West Africa and the Sahel (RCC-WAS) hosted two high-level regional consultations in Niamey, Niger to strengthen collaboration with Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). Directors of NMHSs from West Africa and the Sahel gathered to coordinate strategies, align technical priorities, and strengthen AGRHYMET RCC-WA’s dialogue framework with its national counterparts.
These meetings marked an important step forward for climate governance in the region, as AGRHYMET RCC-WAS, a regional partner of Accelerating Impacts of the CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), led by the Alliance, reaffirms its commitment to addressing increasing floods, droughts, and seasonal unpredictability by leveraging science-based forecasting and cross-border coordination.
A key outcome of the meetings was the formal endorsement by national directors of the transition from consensus-based to objective approach to seasonal climate and hydrological forecasting in West Africa and the Sahel.
This shift, aligned with the best practices recommended by the World Meteorological Organization, is a major advancement in strengthening the scientific basis of the Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOF) which are now harmonized under this new approach. The official transition will enhance the accuracy, reproducibility and usability of seasonal forecasts, helping countries plan ahead and protect lives and livelihoods.
"Thanks to the support of our partners, especially the AICCRA program and the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), both funded by the World Bank, AGRHYMET RCC-WAS is now equipped to serve as a reliable scientific backbone for the region,” said Dr. Issoufou Baoua, Acting Director General of AGRHYMET.
These meetings placed a strong emphasis on renewing collaboration and ensuring that every country in West Africa and the Sahel has the tools and information needed to anticipate climate risks. Particularly, seasonal forecasting approaches and methods are now harmonized across the region, and joint mechanisms for planning, monitoring, and evaluating regional climate initiatives are being established.
“Resilience begins with foresight and foresight is only possible when strong institutions work together with shared purpose. Through AICCRA, we are proud to contribute to strengthening collaboration between AGRHYMET RRC-WAS and national services, so they can jointly deliver tailored climate services and foster innovations that helps drive proactive measures to safeguard food systems and communities across the region,” said Dr. Robert Zougmoré, AICCRA Director and Alliance Scientist.
