SADC Builds Technical Capacity for Agrometeorological Services
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has held a regional workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 17 to 25 September 2025, aimed at strengthening technical capacity in the use of the ClimSA Station platform for agrometeorological services.
The training, organised under the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme with support from the European Union (EU) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC), brought together technical experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), the SADC Climate Services Centre (CSC), and representatives from Ministries of Agriculture across SADC Member States.
Agriculture is the backbone of many economies in the region, yet communities remain highly vulnerable to climate extremes, ranging from recurrent droughts and crop failures to floods that threaten food security. This underlines the need for reliable, user-driven climate information to guide planning and decision-making at both regional and national levels.
The training focused on the practical application of the ClimSA Station, a key deliverable under the ClimSA programme. Participants gained skills to generate and apply agrometeorological products, including crop yield forecasting. Experts from climate and agriculture sectors worked collaboratively to co-produce bulletins tailored to the realities faced by farmers, planners, and policymakers.
The workshop highlighted the importance of embedding stronger climate services within regional policy frameworks, ensuring that technical advances translate into tangible benefits. By equipping institutions with enhanced capacity and fostering co-production with agricultural stakeholders, SADC is improving the delivery of actionable climate information. This supports food security, safeguards livelihoods, and builds long-term resilience for communities most exposed to climate variability and shocks across the region.
