This is a series of short, practical guidance documents with advice on how to interpret and use seasonal forecasts. Seasonal forecasts are a popular forecast product with the added attractiveness of long lead times. However, they are not a panacea, and these guidance documents share the circumstances under which they can be useful for decision-making. This series draws upon lessons from ongoing research on using seasonal forecasts for early action, as well as from the practice of using seasonal forecasts in climate services projects. It is written by people working along different parts of the climate services value chain including - producing seasonal forecasts, interpreting, and disseminating for action – for those who are relatively new to climate services, these include: Meghan Bailey (Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre), Joseph Daron (UK Met Of ce), Rebecca Emerton (University of Reading), Mark van den Homberg (510 Global), Sarah Klassen (Start Network), Catalina Jaime (Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre), Dave MacLeod (University of Oxford), Roop Singh (Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre), and Alison Sneddon (Practical Action).
Within the guide are the following topics:
From Camel to Cup' explores the importance of camels and camel milk in drought ridden regions, and the under-reported medicinal and vital health benefits of camel milk
Less than 5 percent of disaster losses are covered by insurance in poorer countries, versus 50 percent in rich nations
Age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and many more factors must be considered if people are to become resilient to climate extremes
A concern is around the long-term viability of hard-fought development gains
In Kenya's Wajir county, the emphasis on water development is happening at the expense of good water governance