With the unprecedented challenges that climate change has brought about, especially to the global south, there is an urgency to deliver climate services to enhance community resilience and their ability to cope.

Experts have proven that the dissemination of climate related information and services to climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture puts communities in a better position to respond. 

UZIKWASA through Pangani FM, has been at the forefront of providing climate services in Pangani by broadcasting information from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority such as rainfall season, advisories, and early warnings. The radio also has a special daily segment for climate information. This program engages climate experts to provide thorough explanations to the community about the causes of climate change and what can be done to increase preparedness and resilience. Pangani FM listeners are invited to call the studio and ask the experts directly or send their questions by SMS.

“Farmers need to be well informed about climate information so they can prepare themselves and decide what to do, what to grow, and what not to grow according to the particular season." This program is so beneficial for farmers here in Pangani my advice is for all of them to listen to the program because if they keep up with it is so beneficial for their survival against climate change" – Martine Nekwa A farmer from Tungamaa village, Pangani

Program topics include seasonal outlooks that help farmers predict the farming season and make appropriate decisions on what crops to prioritize and suitable farming techniques.  Other weather-sensitive sectors that also benefit from UZIKWASA’s/Pangani FM climate services include livestock and fisheries, natural resources, tourism and wildlife, energy and water, marine transport, local authorities, and health and disaster management.

Pangani FM’s climate related radio programs complement UZIKWASA’s efforts to support Pangani Beach Management Units and Village Environmental Committees through reflective training. These structures are facilitated towards developing action plans that effectively address various threats to the environment.

I've been participating in a lot of climate service discussions that the Climate Action Network Tanzania (CAN Tanzania) is organizing, and it's through these discussions that I've gained a lot of knowledge and the ability to faclitate Pangani FM journalists and the community we serve to understand their roles as climate service stakeholders and to direct their sustainable actions toward using climate services to build climate change resilience.

- Article written by Erick Mallya -