Characterization and Projection of Extreme Precipitation Events over Africa

Abstract

The increase in extreme precipitation events that is expected to accompany climate change will have far-reaching impacts on human, natural and physical systems across the African continent. Responding to these climate variabilities is one of the principal challenges that will help in mitigating and adapting to their impacts. However, in Africa, only a few countries have fully fledged management policies for adaptation to these extreme events. Interventions in most countries tend to focus on re acting after the event, rather than mitigating the impacts from climate variability through enhancing preparedness over the long term. This policy brief highlights some issues on extreme precipitation and provides recommendations on how to improve mitigation and adaptation measures in order to reduce vulnerability