© ILRI/Stevie Mann
Fulani boy Niger herds his family animals

The nomadic pastoralists and the agro-pastoralists of the Burkinabe Sahel are the holders of rich knowledge about weather. Indigenous peoples' observations of their environment have enabled them to develop a thorough understanding of the region's climate, while making it possible to adapt to the variability that characterizes it.

This knowledge system represents a crucial value for the enrichment of the knowledge of weather and climate. It is also of fundamental importance to strengthen the resilience of these populations at a time when regional weather forecasts announce significant changes in the region. This workshop aims to strengthen the understanding of Fulani knowledge about weather and climate. It also seeks to encourage the inclusion of this knowledge in the development of meteorological services and adaptation policies adopted by Burkina Faso.
UNESCO will facilitate exchanges between experts from different backgrounds: pastoralist and agro-pastoral communities, government members and scientific researchers. Dialogue between the different participants' systems will open up new opportunities to build knowledge of existing knowledge on weather and climate and to produce inclusive policies that respond to the environmental challenges facing Africa today.