Latest additions to the knowledge base

This report is divided into two parts. Part I provides an analysis of the drought situation in Western Cape, South Africa, as of January 2018. Part II presents an analysis of the medium to long-term spatial patterns and temporal behaviour of climate

This second edition of the Handbook for Southern Africa on Climate Risk and Vulnerability follows on the entry into force of the Paris Climate Change Agreement of 2015. The handbook launches a series of re-definitions, concepts and programmes.

Although nature-based solutions can work in some contexts, they cannot respond to the pace at which developing countries are growing and the water requirements and challenges that come with this. These approaches originated in the context of Europe and North America, which do not have Africa’s huge infrastructure deficit.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has engaged CIMA Research Foundation to generate risk profiles on flood and drought in 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The countries that will be involved in the risk assessment are: Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Gambia, Gabon, Cameroon, Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe, and Kenya.

This country risk profile for Namibia provides a comprehensive view of hazard, risk and uncertainties for floods and droughts in a changing climate, with projections for the period 2050-2100.

Southern Africa was one of the hardest hit regions by the 2015-2016 drought, which especially affected female smallholder farmers by exacerbating their pre-existing vulnerability. But promoting gender equality and women's leadership can make humanitarian responses more effective, and should be at the core of disaster risk reduction programmes.

Experience in strengthening water management through campaigns and actions in Windhoek over the past five decades offers important lessons for neighbouring Cape Town.

This regional assessment documents experiences on ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) and its linkages with biodiversity in Eastern and Southern Africa. It highlights key entry points and opportunities to catalyse actions for Eco-DRR that