Assessment of ‘Kiremt’ 2023 Climate and Climate Outlook of the Upcoming ‘Bega’ 2023/24

The Ethiopian Meteorology Institute (EMI) generates seasonal climate outlook forums three times a year and provides this information to various socio-economic sectors. These forecasts are crucial in sustaining and developing Ethiopia, as they help minimize risks associated with weather and climate hazards while maximizing positive impacts. The institute has implemented the National Framework for Climate Services in Ethiopia (NFCS-E) and started co-designing and co-producing climate services with key socio-economic sectors. This is expected to strengthen the production, availability, delivery, and application of science-based climate predictions and services in Ethiopia. On August 31, 2023, a workshop was held at the National Science Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop was organized by EMI in partnership with AICCRA, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, and the Ministry of Water and Energy. The main objectives of the workshop were to present the assessment of Kiremt (rainy season) 2023 climate and the climate outlook of the upcoming Bega (dry season) 2023/24. The meeting was held within the NFCS-E framework and aimed to integrate climate considerations into key socio-economic sectors to enhance resilience and promote sustainable development. Several high-level government officials from MoWE, EDRMC, and EMI, as well as representatives from various socio-economic sectors, international partners, civic societies, and the media, attended the workshop. Please refer to Annex II for a full list of participants. At the workshop, two important sessions were conducted. The opening session was initiated by Mr. Fetene Teshome, Director General of EMI, and the keynote speeches were given by Mr. Getachew Ta’a, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, Dr. Agnes Kijazi, the Director of World Meteorological Organisation Regional Office for Africa, and H.E Mr. Moutuma Mqassa, advisor for the Minister of Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE). The presentations included Kiremt 2023 assessment and climate outlook for Bega 20223, potential impacts on agriculture, water, and health, Sectorial Impact Assessment for Kiremt 2023, and sectorial Impact outlook for Bega 2023/24 Activities. Additionally, Belg Agro-meteorological and Phenological Observations at Arbaminch synoptic station were also presented during the second session. After the presentations, discussions on the papers were held. Participants were also invited to visit the water and energy exhibition at the science museum.