Behavioural Insights for Climate Information and Services in Africa

A shift from stating ‘what the weather will be’ to understanding ‘what the weather will do’ marks the importance of early warning and early action and highlights the role and potential value of climate information and services. Within this recognition, however, there is an implicit assumption of availability of and access to credible, salient, and legitimate information about the hazard threat as well as understanding of locational exposure and vulnerability. Effective communication of threat is also implied, as it is vital to align with the risk perceptions of users, communities, and organisations in order to motivate responses which are available and perceived to be feasible and helpful.

This research explores these underpinning assumptions of climate information and climate risk management practices through a behavioural and psychological science lens. We do this within the construct of the CLARE “Behavioural Adaptation for water Security and Inclusion” (BASIN) project, which focuses on improving water security and inclusion in a changing climate in Africa. Noting that progress towards inclusive water security and equitable climate adaptation is underscored by understanding risk management decisions, the BASIN project focuses on how such decisions are shaped by social structures to support behaviour change in the water community and wider society. As such, this paper will synthesise behavioural and psychological science insights to support equitable and effective climate information use given a review of available early warning information and consideration of local knowledge and decision-making realities.