Rwanda in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is set to put in place a Center of Excellence in weather, climate modelling, prediction and data sharing.

The discussions between minister of environment, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya and Prof. Celeste Saulo, the incoming Secretary General of WMO were held on the sidelines of the climate research conference that closed on Friday, October 27 in Kigali.

The conference focused on three themes, namely; advances in climate research, climate services and solutions, and human interactions with climate.

The centre of excellence in weather forecast expected in Rwanda could be the effective pathway to early warning for all and could benefit not only Rwanda but the entire EAC region as well as meteoroidal science advancement.

Information The New Times obtained from the Ministry of Environment explains a set of eight benefits from the anticipated centre of excellence.

Disaster preparedness

“With a dedicated center, Rwanda can significantly enhance its ability to monitor, forecast, and respond to climate-related natural hazards. This would reduce the loss of life and property during floods, droughts, storms, and other extreme events, thus increasing overall resilience,” reads part of the concept note shared with The New Times.

The CentRE of Excellence can provide the country with more accurate and timely weather forecasts and early warning systems.

Rwanda’s development pathway is threatened by recurring climate-related natural hazards, including floods, droughts, earthquakes, storms, and lightning.

Over the last decade, the frequency and intensity of hazards have increased.

These changing conditions are expected to negatively affect agricultural productivity, food availability, water resources, human health, ecosystems, and energy production and use.

Enhanced agricultural productivity

Accurate weather and climate modeling can provide farmers with vital information for crop planning, planting, and harvesting.

This can optimize agricultural productivity, increase food availability, and contribute to food security.

Sustainable water resource management

By predicting precipitation patterns, droughts, and floods, Rwanda can better plan and manage its water resources, reducing the risk of water scarcity and ensuring a stable supply for agriculture and human consumption.

This helps in reducing water scarcity and mitigating the impacts of water-related hazards.

Public health benefits

Weather and climate have a significant impact on public health. By understanding and predicting climate-related diseases (like malaria or waterborne diseases), Rwanda can develop strategies for prevention and management.

Additionally, extreme weather events can affect the spread of diseases and access to healthcare facilities. Improved forecasting can help in planning for such eventualities.

This would help in the prevention and management of diseases, as well as more effective responses to health crises caused by weather-related events.

Energy Security

Energy production, particularly hydropower, is susceptible to weather conditions. Accurate weather and climate models can aid in predicting energy generation from renewable sources and optimizing energy distribution, reducing disruptions in the power supply and enhancing energy security.

Economic growth and diversification

Investing in a Center of Excellence for weather and climate modeling not only helps in climate adaptation but can also open opportunities for economic diversification.

Rwanda can become a regional hub for climate research, providing consultancy services and training to neighbouring countries facing similar climate challenges.

This can generate revenue and enhance the country's expertise in climate science contributing to economic growth.

Resilience to climate change

With climate-related hazards intensifying, a Center of Excellence would help Rwanda adapt to climate change by providing essential data and tools for long-term planning and adaptation strategies.

Rwanda can better understand and anticipate extreme weather events, enabling proactive measures to reduce their impact on agriculture, water resources, human health, and ecosystems.

International Collaboration

Such a center can foster international collaboration and partnerships. Rwanda can work with global organizations, research institutions, and countries with expertise in climate science.

This collaboration can lead to knowledge transfer, access to data and technology, and financial support for climate-related initiatives strengthening Rwanda's position in the international climate community. - Michel Nkurunziza, The New Times

The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian (2nd R) introduces the outcomes of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing last week during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Oct. 26, 2023. Chen Mingjian announced on Thursday that China intends to continue promoting Belt and Road cooperation with Tanzania, jointly advancing toward a better future of modernization. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, announced on Thursday that China intends to continue promoting Belt and Road cooperation with Tanzania, jointly advancing toward a better future of modernization.

Chen made the remarks during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub of Tanzania, in which she introduced the outcomes of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing last week.

She highlighted the progress made in the two countries' cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) over the past decade, particularly in infrastructure development, economy and trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Chen called on the two countries to tap the potential for enhancing infrastructure connectivity, improving trade and economic exchanges and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in green development, the digital economy, and the blue economy.

Furthermore, Chen noted that the forum attracted over 10,000 representatives from 151 countries and 41 international organizations, describing it as a historic event of great significance.

The forum celebrated the 10th anniversary of the BRI, during which China has signed over 200 Belt and Road cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations.

Chen pointed out that 2024 will mark the 60th anniversary of China-Tanzania relations, saying China is ready to take this forum as an opportunity to collaborate with Tanzanian partners in addressing challenges and pursuing mutual development. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) People Daily Online

Makerere University teaching staff have roundly rejected the biometric staff attendance management system meant to record their clock-in times.

The resolution was passed during an emergency general assembly held on October 20 by the lecturers under their umbrella organization, Makerere University Academic Staff Association (Muasa). The university recently decided to procure and deploy a biometric staff management system to enhance staff compliance with time and attendance requirements. 

According to the university secretary Yusuf Kiranda, this biometric system is intended to be linked to the human capital management (HCM) attendance module and will be implemented as a physical clock-in system across the university, where each staff member would have to clock in at their respective duty stations.

In an October 12, 2023 letter, addressed to all members of staff and the university council, Kiranda explained that the government is implementing an integrated HCM system to automate human resource management functions in the public service. A university council special meeting on March 9, 2023, resolved to procure and deploy a biometric staff management system to improve staff adherence to time and attendance of duty.

However, in an October 20 letter to the university council chairperson, signed by Dr Robert Kakuru, Muasa chairperson and general secretary, Christine Mpyangu Mbabazi, Muasa members expressed their rejection of the implementation of the biometric attendance management system. They firmly believe that there should be more competitive and consultative methods for monitoring academic staff performance and productivity.

The letter goes on to highlight that the introduction of the biometric system lacked adequate consultation and stakeholder engagement. It is the opinion of the staff that this system will severely undermine their ability to deliver the mandate of the university. 

"Members further believe the biometric system is unacademic and a non-starter. The substantial financial investment in this system should be reallocated to retool staff for executing their mandate," reads part of the letter.

"The university's programs and interventions are guided by well-thought policies adopted after extensive consultation with all stakeholders. Unfortunately, this biometric system is being rushed into implementation without adequate consultations and without a clear university policy," states another part of the letter.

Academic staff further argue that the biometric attendance management system primarily focuses on monitoring staff attendance between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, the assessment of academic staff performance should consider outputs such as teaching, research, publications, community service, assessments, and networking for research and grants, rather than merely physical presence in the office between 8:00 to 5:00 pm. 

Muasa says that the forceful implementation of the biometric system is considered regressive and may lead to a brain drain, potentially resulting in numerous staff resignations. The university's focus, they argue, should be on staff productivity in terms of outputs, rather than physical presence. By URN, The Observer

The European Union has granted Kenya over Sh11.4 billion to support priority areas of green transition on environmental sustainability and digital inclusion, good governance as well as peace and stability.

In a deal signed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday, the funds will go towards boosting programmes in the identified key sectors of the economy. 

The Deputy President, who is representing President William Ruto at the Global Gateway Summit hosted by the EU in Brussels, welcomed the collaboration between Kenya and the EU saying the grant will help develop the country and improve the lives of the people.

Pivotal stride

“Kenya welcomes this statement of signature which will be realised through the outlined priorities for the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027. This collaboration marks a pivotal stride towards a brighter future for the Kenyan people. As we implement the Global Gateway, we are confident that sustainable development, security and prosperity will rightfully take centre stage in our development cooperation narrative going forward,” he said of the deal signed on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum 2023.

Gachagua said Kenya looked forward to continued partnership with the EU. The Ruto administration was keen on strengthening existing ties with the EU, he added. 

“I reaffirm our collective dedication to this partnership. Together, we strive towards a future where the bonds between Kenya and the European Union continue to flourish, bringing about positive change and shared prosperity,” the DP added.