February 10-12, 2026 (MOYALE, Ethiopia) Sub-COF5 was organized by ICPAC and ICPALD, in collaboration with Norwegian Capacity (NORCAP), National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of Ethiopia & Kenya, and WMO Global Producing Centres. This forum was supported with funding from the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Germany.
The Cluster II Marsabit–Borana cross-border sub-COF5 focused on strengthening the uptake of weather and climate information for early warning and drought response. Communities, scientists, media, meteorological agencies from Ethiopia & Kenya, and cross-border stakeholders came together to translate the March–May 2026 (MAM) forecast into sector specific advisories.
In the spirit of strengthening the entire climate information value chain, from regional centers to the ‘last mile’ user, “sizeable climate information is needed for utilization by pastoralists in making decisions for the next season” said Dr. Guyo Roba, ICPALD Head of Drylands Development, speaking at the opening session on behalf of Dr. Dereje Wakjira, the Director.
The session also shared on the ongoing climate service strengthening efforts within the cluster, including progress on co-production, dissemination of risk narratives and lessons from related regional initiatives. At the livestock sector group discussion advisories (click here) were developed based on the MAM forecast.
Prior to this, a comprehensive review of the OND 2025 rainfall season provided context for the forward planning. Indigenous Knowledge forecasts were presented alongside scientific analyses, inspiring dialogue on the integration of local and scientific knowledge systems. Sector presentations examined impacts of the previous season on agriculture, livestock and pastoralism, water resources, climate-induced migration and displacement, disaster risk management, and health.
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