The Value of Weather and Climate Information to the Tanzanian Disaster Risk Reduction Sector Using Nonmonetary Approaches

This paper investigates the value of weather and climate information at different time scales for decisionmaking in the Tanzanian disaster risk reduction sector using nonmonetary approaches. Interviews and surveys were conducted with institutions responsible for disaster management at national, regional, and district levels. Arange of values were identified, including 1) making informed decisions for disaster-preparedness-, response-, recovery-, and restoration-related activities; 2) tailoring of directives and actions based on sectoral impacts; and 3) identification of hot-spot areas for diseases outbreaks and surplus food production. However, while a number of guidelines, policies, acts, and regulations for disaster risk reduction exist, it is not clear how well they promote the use of weather and climate information across climate-sensitive sectors. Nonetheless, we find that well-structured disaster risk reduction coordination across sectors and institutions from the national to the district level exists, although there is a need for further development of integrated early warning systems and a common platform to evaluate effectiveness and usefulness of weather warnings and advisories. Key challenges to address in increasing the uptake of weather warnings and advisories include language barriers, limited dissemination to rural areas, and limited awareness of forecasts. From the findings of this study, we recommend further quantitative evaluation of the skill of the severe weather warnings issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority and an assessment of how decisions and actions are made by recipients of the warnings in the disaster risk reduction sector at different stages in the warning, response, and recovery process. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Information about weather and climate information is important in making informed decisions to reduce socioeconomic losses due to severe weather. This study aims to understand the value of weather and climate information to the Tanzanian disaster risk reduction sector using nonmonetary approaches. We identify several values that could not be realized using the monetary approaches that assist in making effective and informed decision-making to reduce socioeconomic losses, improve livelihoods, and build more disaster-resilient communities. However, constraints such as formatting, accessibility and uncertainty, spatial and temporal resolution, awareness and dissemination, resource availability, and limited technical skills in the interpretation of severe weather impact-based forecasts impede their uptake. Results from this study will improve the content of the severe weather impact-based forecasts and uptake across the disaster risk reduction sector in Tanzania.