EMEDO and TMA Enhancing Access and Awareness on Weather Forecast Information To Reduce Drowning Risks in Goziba

In a groundbreaking initiative, the fishing community of Goziba Island in Tanzania has become the first along Lake Victoria to receive real-time weather forecast updates at their landing sites. This development is part of the Lake Victoria Drowning Prevention Project (LVDPP), implemented by EMEDO with support from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Irish Government’s Development Cooperation Program (Irish Aid).

The initiative addresses the pressing issue of frequent drowning incidents among fishermen, which was first highlighted in a 2021 study conducted by EMEDO and RNLI. The study, which covered Mwanza, Kagera, and Mara regions, gathered community insights on the causes of these fatalities, one of the key challenges being the lack of access to and understanding of weather forecasts.

The Design of the Weatherboards

In 2022, EMEDO, in collaboration with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), representatives from the Goziba Island community, Disaster Management Department from Prime Minister’s Office and other Emergency Response Agencies, developed the concept of weather information boards. These boards were designed to provide crucial weather information through both written text (for those who can read) and symbols (for those who cannot), ensuring inclusivity. The boards also feature a detailed map of Goziba Island that highlights hazardous areas to guide fishermen and visitors away from danger zones.

The weatherboard design process was highly participatory, involving Goziba’s community leaders, local fishermen, and EMEDO’s technical team, alongside experts from TMA,Disaster Management Department from Prime Minister’s Office and other Emergency Response Agencies, developed the concept of weather information boards. These boards were designed. This collaboration ensured that the boards were practical, easy to understand, and strategically placed to benefit the entire fishing community.

Three-Day Visit Marks the Launch of the Weatherboards

To officially launch the weatherboard initiative, a three-day visit was conducted on Goziba Island from September 29 to October 1, 2024. The visit involved teams from EMEDO and TMA, led by Augustino Nduganda, the TMA’s Lake Zone Manager.

Day 1 (September 29): The EMEDO team, together with TMA’s Augustino Nduganda, held a meeting with the Goziba Drowning Prevention Committee. The purpose of this session was to introduce the project, educate the committee on the use of the boards, and select 12 Weather Champions—community members who would be responsible for updating the weather boards.

Day 2 (September 30): The Weather Champions underwent training on interpreting weather symbols and forecasts. The training covered how to assess weather safety, recognize dangerous conditions, and communicate important weather updates to their fellow fishermen.

Day 3 (October 1): The final day saw a public meeting where the community received the weatherboards. Fishermen and other residents were educated on the dangers of ignoring weather forecasts and the crucial role these boards would play in reducing accidents, particularly drowning.

Strategic Installation of Weather Boards

Five weather information boards were installed across key locations on the island, including Kakomakome, Kwa Pendo (Shangai), Kwa Mshale, Bwininga, and the ferry area at Darajani. These boards will ensure that weather information is always readily available to fishermen and other visitors.

The community has already begun to see the value of these boards. “The information we will get here will help us take precautions before heading out to the lake,” said Madaraka Christopher, a fisherman and boat owner.

Expected Impacts on the Community

Fish processor Aveline Gregory shared how the weatherboards will prevent financial losses caused by unexpected weather changes. “In the past, bad weather has caused me huge losses,” she recalled, explaining how she once lost TZS 750,000 due to three days of unexpected rain.

The Village Chairman of Goziba, Msafiri Saidi Ngwesa, expressed his gratitude for the partnership between EMEDO and TMA. He believes that these weatherboards will significantly improve the safety of fishermen and reduce drowning-related deaths on the island.

Project Manager Arthur Mgema emphasized that the primary goal of the initiative is to increase access to and understanding of weather information among fishermen, helping them avoid accidents by following the forecasts. This is crucial for improving safety and reducing drowning incidents across the region.

This initiative is currently in its pilot phase, and EMEDO anticipates that it will greatly benefit fishers by significantly improving their accessibility to weather information and raising awareness within the fishing communities of Goziba. If the expected results are achieved, this initiative will be scaled up to other fishing communities around Lake Victoria.

Looking Forward

EMEDO, in collaboration with RNLI, is in the final stages of designing an electronic weatherboard that will be installed in Goziba. This weatherboard will directly receive weather forecast information from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).

EMEDO has learned through this initiative that fishing communities around Lake Victoria still need more education on water safety. The organization is committed to expanding this project to ensure that all fishermen are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to fish safely.

As we enjoy the fish provided by these communities, it’s important to remember the risks they take. Through initiatives like this, we can help fishermen stay safe while continuing to provide for their families and the broader community.