Challenges of co-production in the African context
The World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) emphasized the need to advance people-centered early warning systems (EWS) through co-production methods at the Sustainability, Resilience, and Innovation Satellite Event in Nairobi, Kenya, held from 2-6 June. A WWRP session reviewed examples co-production in the African context, while a workshop explored related implementation challenges through a simulation exercise.
Sustainable EWS require the integration of "top-down" scientific insights with "bottom-up" community experiences, leveraging expertise from both natural and social sciences. This co-production approach enhances understanding of how people access, interpret and respond to weather warnings and knowledge of the social and behavioural factors influencing their ability and willingness to act. Co-production is a collaborative process wherein stakeholders with diverse expertise develop strategies that are both scientifically robust and socially relevant. Co-production ensures that expert knowledge is contextually relevant, shaped by the needs, experiences, and insights of those affected by environmental changes. Dimensions that must be considered when developing effective, sustainable EWS.
The session and workshop offered insight into some of the complexities faced in high-pressure situations that existing adaptive governance mechanisms are unable to cope with. The two events highlighted the need for amplified buy-in from local communities. It is necessary to embed and "mainstream" the approach within community dynamics and institutions to build the trust that will ensure its longevity, improve resilience and bring overall success. But borg the session and workshop also recognized the challenges of co-production: increased costs, scalability issues, and the need for contextualization in a rapidly changing environment.
Some 300 early-career researchers participated in the conference in person and 2 000 online. The extensive discussion sparked participants to develop innovative solutions towards more inclusive, effective and agile weather research in an ever-changing climate, aligned with the WWRP Implementation Plan for 2024 to 2027 .
