Introduction
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) is a leading climate services and early warning institution under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Based in Nairobi, Kenya, ICPAC serves as a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Regional Climate Centre of Excellence, supporting climate risk reduction and resilience building across the Greater Horn of Africa.
ICPAC provides climate forecasting, disaster risk early warning, and climate information services to help governments and communities prepare for droughts, floods, food insecurity, and other climate-related hazards.
History and Background
ICPAC has evolved over several decades in response to recurring droughts and climate shocks in East Africa.
Key historical milestones:
- 1986 – Formation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD) to address drought challenges in the region
- 1989 – Establishment of the Drought Monitoring Centre (DMC) in Nairobi and Harare to improve drought monitoring
- 1996 – IGADD transitions into the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with a broader development mandate
- 2003 – Drought Monitoring Centre-Nairobi is adopted as an IGAD specialized institution and renamed ICPAC
- 2014 – ICPAC becomes a WMO-designated Regional Climate Centre (RCC) of excellence
- 2021 – ICPAC officially opens its upgraded climate and disaster operations center in Nairobi
Today, ICPAC operates as a regional hub for climate science, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation support.
Mission and Purpose
ICPAC’s mission is to strengthen resilience in the Greater Horn of Africa through climate services and knowledge systems.
Core mission objectives:
- Provide accurate and timely climate prediction products
- Deliver multi-hazard early warning systems
- Support climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction
- Strengthen regional cooperation in climate science
- Improve decision-making using climate information
Its overarching goal is to enable governments, humanitarian agencies, and communities to make evidence-based decisions to reduce climate-related risks.
Governance and Structure
ICPAC is a specialized institution of IGAD, meaning it operates under the governance framework of a regional intergovernmental body.
Governance structure includes:
- IGAD Council of Ministers and Heads of State – provides strategic direction
- ICPAC Directorate – responsible for operational leadership
- Technical departments – climate prediction, monitoring, research, and applications
- Partnership networks – collaboration with WMO, UN agencies, and national meteorological services
ICPAC also works closely with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in its member states, ensuring climate data is translated into national-level action.
Funding and Grants
ICPAC is primarily funded through a multi-partner development and climate finance model.
Main funding sources:
- Contributions from IGAD member states
- International development partners (e.g., UN agencies, World Bank, EU programs)
- Climate adaptation and resilience projects
- Research and innovation grants
- Multi-donor trust funds and pooled funding mechanisms
Funding focus areas:
- Climate forecasting infrastructure
- Early warning systems development
- Disaster risk reduction projects
- Capacity building and training programs
- Climate research and innovation (e.g., machine learning forecasting systems)
For example, ICPAC participates in pooled funding initiatives through UN mechanisms that support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Major Programs and Initiatives
ICPAC implements a wide range of regional climate and disaster resilience programs.
Climate Prediction Services
- Seasonal climate outlooks (rainfall and temperature forecasts)
- Medium-range and long-range forecasting systems
- Monitoring of climate drivers such as El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems
- Flood and drought forecasting
- Food security early warnings
- Pest and locust outbreak monitoring
- Disaster operations situation rooms
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Programme
- Strengthening regional early warning systems
- Promoting climate-resilient livelihoods
- Supporting anticipatory action frameworks
Climate Outlook Forums (GHACOF)
- Regional platforms for climate scientists and policymakers
- Seasonal forecast dissemination and user engagement
Capacity Building and Training
- Training meteorologists and climate practitioners
- Supporting national forecasting institutions
- Promoting use of climate data in decision-making
Research and Innovation
- Climate modeling and statistical forecasting
- Machine learning applications for climate prediction
- Collaboration with global research institutions
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
ICPAC has had a major impact on climate resilience across East Africa and the Greater Horn region.
Key impacts include:
Improved early warning systems
- Faster and more accurate drought and flood alerts
- Regional coordination for disaster preparedness
Disaster risk reduction
- Reduced vulnerability of millions of people to climate shocks
- Support for anticipatory action before disasters strike
Food security support
- Climate forecasts used for agricultural planning
- Early warnings for droughts affecting crop yields and livestock
Strengthened regional cooperation
- Shared climate data among 11+ countries
- Cross-border coordination for climate hazards
Real-world application examples
- Regional flood and drought forecasting systems
- Locust outbreak monitoring and response coordination
- Climate-driven displacement risk modeling projects
Long-term impact
ICPAC contributes to:
- Reduced loss of life from extreme weather
- Better agricultural productivity planning
- Stronger climate adaptation policies
- Improved resilience of vulnerable communities
Conclusion
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) is a cornerstone institution for climate resilience in Eastern Africa. As a WMO-recognized regional climate center, it plays a critical role in delivering climate forecasts, early warning systems, and disaster risk reduction tools that help governments and communities respond to increasing climate variability.
Through its programs in forecasting, research, and capacity building, ICPAC continues to strengthen climate adaptation, food security, and disaster preparedness across one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Its work demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation, science-based decision-making, and early warning systems in reducing the human and economic impacts of climate change.
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