The main objectives of the project were to (1) make operational flood forecast and alert information available through the FANFAR system for Burkina Faso, (2) build capacity on how to integrate new datasets, operationalize and operate the FANFAR system, and (3) establish the use of the FANFAR system with national, regional and local institutions.
New operational model for Burkina Faso
“In summary, work has been done around local discharge observations, hydrological modelling, meteorological forcing data, forecast production and visualization. All in all, this resulted in a new hydrological model, Burkina Faso HYPE version 1.0, being operational in the FANFAR system”, says SMHI project manager Tharcisse Ndayizigiye.
Explore FANFAR for Burkina Faso (fanfar.eu)
FANFAR in Burkina Faso project page (smhi.se)
Learning exchange in Sweden and Italy
As part of the capacity developing activities, a group of specialists from Burkina Faso and Togo participated in a knowledge-sharing mission to Sweden and Italy in October 2024, to learn about operational procedures for flood forecasting and early warning systems at SMHI and CIMA Research Foundation. CIMA is an Italian organization working in similar ways as SMHI in Burkina Faso.
“The trip included seminars and workshops, field visits and meeting with multiple national organizations, as well as social activities.” says Tharcisse.
News article about the learning exchange on WMO’s website – October 2024.
Project with many collaborators
The project is funded by WMO and is carried out in collaboration with the regional climate center AGRHYMET as well as multiple national agencies in Burkina Faso; General Directorate of Water Resources, Directorate of Studies and Information on Water, National Emergency Relief Council, General Directorate for Civil Protection & National Meteorological Agency.
With an initial timeline of finalizing in December 2024, an extension of the project into 2025 is currently being discussed.