The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has begun developing a national strategic plan to integrate gender and special groups into the delivery of severe weather early warnings, in a move aimed at improving disaster preparedness and protecting vulnerable communities across the country.
The initiative was launched during a high-level workshop held in Dodoma at Morena Hotel, officiated by TMA Director General and Vice Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a.
The workshop focuses on strengthening Tanzania’s early warning systems by ensuring that weather alerts effectively reach women, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and other at-risk groups.
The goal is to ensure communities receive timely, accurate, and accessible information that helps them prepare for and reduce the impacts of extreme weather events such as floods, storms, and heatwaves.
Dr. Chang’a said TMA has become the first institution in East Africa, among countries implementing the CREWS (Climate Risk and Early Warnings System) East Africa Project, to take the lead in developing a gender-responsive early warning strategy.
He described the initiative as historic, noting that it is the first of its kind in Africa and places Tanzania at the forefront of inclusive climate services.
“This strategic plan will significantly improve the effectiveness of our weather services and ensure that no one is left behind when critical warnings are issued,” Dr. Chang’a said.
He added that the initiative is expected to serve as a benchmark for other African countries seeking to strengthen climate resilience.
Joan Kimaku, Regional Officer at UN Women, praised TMA for demonstrating leadership by prioritizing gender inclusion in climate risk communication.
She emphasized that inclusive early warning systems are essential to protecting communities most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Participants in the workshop included representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Norges Vel, the United Nations Development Programme, and UN Women, highlighting a coordinated national and international effort to strengthen disaster preparedness in Tanzania.
Once completed, the strategy is expected to enhance national early warning systems, improve community safety, and strengthen Tanzania’s capacity to respond effectively to climate-related risks, reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive and resilient development.