The need for more accurate weather forecasts in Sub-Saharan Africa today resulted in the World Meteorological Organization‚ African Development Bank and World Bank Group launching an initiative today to support the modernization of meteorological and hydrological services in the region.

‘This initiative is a direct response to the anticipated adverse impacts from climate change‚ including food insecurity‚ which pose severe risks to growth and development across the region‚” the organisations said in a statement from Geneva‚ Switzerland.

“Reliable and real-time weather and climate information is a prerequisite for multiple sectors of the economy‚ including water‚ agriculture‚ transport‚ energy and public health‚” said Makhtar Diop‚ the World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region. “Increasing the accuracy of weather forecasts will save lives and livelihoods. We are committed to working together to improve these services in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Most meteorological and hydrological service providers in Sub-Saharan Africa are unable to meet users’ current needs for weather and climate information‚ and the infrastructure is inadequate‚ the groups said.

A recent WMO survey showed that 54% of the surface and 71% of the upper air weather stations in the region did not report data.

“With the help of all our partners and member countries‚ we are committed to bring cutting-edge advancements and experience from around the globe to Sub-Saharan Africa‚” said Michel Jarraud‚ Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The initiative includes improved early warning and forecasting to help prevent damage and loss of life from catastrophic events.

The international organisations say they will “facilitate coordination and leveraging of financing from various sources of development and climate finance”.