This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Vieri Tarchiani, researcher at the National Research Council, Institute of Bioeconomy, in Italy, has been working on climate and hydrological services for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in tropical Africa for more than twenty years. He has coordinated several international research and training for development projects. He collaborates with the World Meteorological Organization for strengthening the competencies of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in West Africa.
Distance learning is assuming a greater value in professional training both because of its lower cost compared to face-to-face learning and for the opportunities it provides in periods when trainee displacement is hindered by socio-political or health emergencies (e.g. the recent covid-19 pandemic). Moreover, distance learning allows us to create lasting learning resources that otherwise would not be continuously available for trainees. During recent years, the World Meteorological Organization invested human and financial resources in the development of the Global Campus initiative, which has virtual spaces where learning materials and opportunities are gathered and made available to users. As part of the Global Campus initiative, the Regional Training Center in Italy, with the support of the Italian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, developed several distance learning packages among which the TOPaCS (Training Operational Package For Climate Services) addresses the training needs of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. TOPaCS builds on the competency-based training approach and on the application of up-to-date training solutions such as the integrated use of different multimedia supports and the use of Open Badges to certify learning. Synchronous distance learning was also tested for teaching soft skills related to climate services communication. This contribution analyzes pros and cons of distance learning approaches, comparing synchronous and asynchronous solutions and their suitability for hard and soft skills teaching. It highlights opportunities and constraints, critical points and key strategic choices in the development of distance learning. The results of the study highlight that flexible solutions and versatile approaches allow personalized training paths according to end-user needs. Asynchronous microlearning (very small units of study) can be helpful in this perspective but it may result in the atomization of the training modules and the fragmentation of education pathways. Synchronous distance learning is often more appropriate for soft skills but requires larger development efforts and more efficient technical solutions (e.g. higher bandwidth), which can be an issue in some developing countries.
Vieri Tarchiani; Maurizio Bacci; Elena Rapisardi; Patrick Parrish; Luciane Veek; Massimiliano Pasqui; Edmondo Di Giuseppe; Guido Righini; Marco Simonetti; Marina Baldi. Benefits and Challenges of distance Learning approaches for the Training of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Maurizio Bacci, Elena Rapisardi, Patrick Parrish, Luciane Veek, Massimiliano Pasqui, Edmondo Di Giuseppe, Guido Righini, Marco Simonetti, Marina Baldi. Benefits and Challenges of distance Learning approaches for the Training of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Maurizio Bacci; Elena Rapisardi; Patrick Parrish; Luciane Veek; Massimiliano Pasqui; Edmondo Di Giuseppe; Guido Righini; Marco Simonetti; Marina Baldi. 2021. "Benefits and Challenges of distance Learning approaches for the Training of Climate Services Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa." , no. : 1.
During the last 20 years, floods have become a major hazard in West Africa, particularly in the Sahelian belt, affecting livelihoods, infrastructure and production systems, and hence heavily impacting on sustainable development. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 recognized Climate Services (CS) as a powerful tool for more effective disaster preparedness. The European research and innovation Roadmap for CS expands their contribution, particularly “hydrometeorological services”, to the Sendai Framework. From this convergence, Hydrometeorological Early Warning Systems (EWS) become a strategic target and a building block of preparedness to hydrometeorological risks in developed and developing countries. In West Africa, EWS for floods are in place only for the main rivers and are conceived mainly top-down and hazard centered, lacking links with exposed communities and expected impacts. These gaps reduce the effectiveness of a flood EWS, while engaging local communities since de beginning through a co-production process can improve the effectiveness and ensure better response in case of alert.
Our study aims to present the lessons learnt from the set-up of a Community and Impact Based Flood EWS on the Sirba River in Niger. The service was developed with stakeholders at different levels, leveraging on existing resources and knowledge, using simple but effective approaches and integrating state-of-the-art hydro-meteorological science in a decisional scheme of Sahelian rural areas. This mechanism can be replicable in different contexts characterized by knowledge and structural deficits, by creating a better capacity to exchange data and information and by directly connecting available technical capabilities with the local level. The participatory approach allowed the beneficiaries to define the rules of the system, which, in any case, needed to be consistent with the national legislation and internationally recognized best practices.
The study suggests that it is not necessary to develop complex forecasting tools, while it can be preferable to enhance those already operating and calibrate them on the local scale through risk thresholds, field observations and potential impacts using flood scenarios. The strength of simplicity also lies in not having to spread complex messages, but simply the reference risk scenario, and finally its color-code (according to the international standards of ISO 22324:2015), which already embeds all other information including potential impacts. The simple and integrated approach illustrated in this case study, bridging the gap between top-down and bottom-up approaches, can inspire Governments, local administrations and development partners to invest in the improvement of existing tools and knowledge and in strengthening cooperation, collaboration and coordination to reduce hazards’ impacts and sustain the development of rural and urban areas.
Vieri Tarchiani; Giovanni Massazza; Maurizio Rosso; Alessandro Pezzoli; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Gaptia Lawan Katiellou; Paolo Tamagnone; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Elena Rapisardi; Valentina Marchi; Maurizio Tiepolo. Setting-up an hydrometeorological early warning service in Niger: lessons learnt on the co-development approach . 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Giovanni Massazza, Maurizio Rosso, Alessandro Pezzoli, Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim, Gaptia Lawan Katiellou, Paolo Tamagnone, Tiziana De Filippis, Leandro Rocchi, Elena Rapisardi, Valentina Marchi, Maurizio Tiepolo. Setting-up an hydrometeorological early warning service in Niger: lessons learnt on the co-development approach . . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Giovanni Massazza; Maurizio Rosso; Alessandro Pezzoli; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Gaptia Lawan Katiellou; Paolo Tamagnone; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Elena Rapisardi; Valentina Marchi; Maurizio Tiepolo. 2021. "Setting-up an hydrometeorological early warning service in Niger: lessons learnt on the co-development approach ." , no. : 1.
Niamey, the capital of Niger, is particularly prone to floods, since it is on the banks of the Niger River, which in its middle basin has two flood peaks: one in summer (the red flood) and one in winter (the black flood). In 2020, the Niger River in Niamey reached its all-time highest levels following an abundant rainy season. On the other hand, the floods in Niamey have been particularly frequent in the last decade, a symptom of a change in hydroclimatic behaviour already observed since the end of the great droughts of the 1970s and 1980s and which is identified with the name of Sahelian Paradox. This study, starting from the analysis of the 2020 flood and from the update of the rating curve of the Niamey hydrometric station, analyses the rainfall–runoff relationship on the Sahelian basins of the Medium Niger River Basin (MNRB) that are at the origin of the local flood. The comparative analysis of runoffs, annual maximum flows (AMAX) and runoff coefficients with various rainfall indices calculated on gridded datasets allowed to hydroclimatically characterise the last decade as a different period from the wet one before the drought, the dry one and the post-drought one. Compared to the last one, the current period is characterised by a sustained increase in hydrological indicators (AMAX +27%) consistent with the increase in both the accumulation of precipitation (+11%) and the number (+51%) and magnitude (+54%) of extreme events in the MNRB. Furthermore, a greater concentration of rainfall and extremes (+78%) in August contributes to reinforcing the red flood’s positive anomalies (+2.23 st.dev in 2020). The study indicates that under these conditions the frequency of extreme hydrological events in Niamey will tend to increase further also because of the concurrence of drivers such as river-bed silting and levee effects. Consequently, the study concludes with the need for a comprehensive flood-risk assessment on the Niamey city that considers both recent hydroclimatic trends and urbanisation dynamics in flood zones hence defining the most appropriate risk-reduction strategies.
Giovanni Massazza; Maurizio Bacci; Luc Descroix; Mohamed Ibrahim; Edoardo Fiorillo; Gaptia Katiellou; Geremy Panthou; Alessandro Pezzoli; Maurizio Rosso; Elisa Sauzedde; Andrea Terenziani; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Sara Burrone; Maurizio Tiepolo; Théo Vischel; Vieri Tarchiani. Recent Changes in Hydroclimatic Patterns over Medium Niger River Basins at the Origin of the 2020 Flood in Niamey (Niger). Water 2021, 13, 1659 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Massazza, Maurizio Bacci, Luc Descroix, Mohamed Ibrahim, Edoardo Fiorillo, Gaptia Katiellou, Geremy Panthou, Alessandro Pezzoli, Maurizio Rosso, Elisa Sauzedde, Andrea Terenziani, Tiziana De Filippis, Leandro Rocchi, Sara Burrone, Maurizio Tiepolo, Théo Vischel, Vieri Tarchiani. Recent Changes in Hydroclimatic Patterns over Medium Niger River Basins at the Origin of the 2020 Flood in Niamey (Niger). Water. 2021; 13 (12):1659.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Massazza; Maurizio Bacci; Luc Descroix; Mohamed Ibrahim; Edoardo Fiorillo; Gaptia Katiellou; Geremy Panthou; Alessandro Pezzoli; Maurizio Rosso; Elisa Sauzedde; Andrea Terenziani; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Sara Burrone; Maurizio Tiepolo; Théo Vischel; Vieri Tarchiani. 2021. "Recent Changes in Hydroclimatic Patterns over Medium Niger River Basins at the Origin of the 2020 Flood in Niamey (Niger)." Water 13, no. 12: 1659.
In the tropics, rural areas are still the place where many people live, despite ongoing urbanization
Maurizio Tiepolo; Vieri Tarchiani; Alessandro Pezzoli. Risk-Informed Sustainable Development in the Rural Tropics. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4179 .
AMA StyleMaurizio Tiepolo, Vieri Tarchiani, Alessandro Pezzoli. Risk-Informed Sustainable Development in the Rural Tropics. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (8):4179.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaurizio Tiepolo; Vieri Tarchiani; Alessandro Pezzoli. 2021. "Risk-Informed Sustainable Development in the Rural Tropics." Sustainability 13, no. 8: 4179.
In the last decades since the dramatic increase in flood frequency and magnitude, floods have become a crucial problem in West Africa. National and international authorities concentrate efforts on developing early warning systems (EWS) to deliver flood alerts and prevent loss of lives and damages. Usually, regional EWS are based on hydrological modeling, while local EWS adopt field observations. This study aims to integrate outputs from two regional hydrological models—Niger HYPE (NH) and World-Wide HYPE (WWH)—in a local EWS developed for the Sirba River. Sirba is the major tributary of Middle Niger River Basin and is supported by a local EWS since June 2019. Model evaluation indices were computed with 5-day forecasts demonstrating a better performance of NH (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency NSE = 0.58) than WWH (NSE = 0.10) and the need of output optimization. The optimization conducted with a linear regression post-processing technique improves performance significantly to “very good” for NH (Heidke skill score HSS = 0.53) and “good” for WWH (HSS = 0.28). HYPE outputs allow to extend local EWS warning lead-time up to 10 days. Since the transfer informatic environment is not yet a mature operational system 10–20% of forecasts were unfortunately not produced in 2019, impacting operational availability.
Giovanni Massazza; Vieri Tarchiani; Jafet C. M. Andersson; Abdou Ali; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Alessandro Pezzoli; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Bernard Minoungou; David Gustafsson; Maurizio Rosso. Downscaling Regional Hydrological Forecast for Operational Use in Local Early Warning: HYPE Models in the Sirba River. Water 2020, 12, 3504 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Massazza, Vieri Tarchiani, Jafet C. M. Andersson, Abdou Ali, Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim, Alessandro Pezzoli, Tiziana De Filippis, Leandro Rocchi, Bernard Minoungou, David Gustafsson, Maurizio Rosso. Downscaling Regional Hydrological Forecast for Operational Use in Local Early Warning: HYPE Models in the Sirba River. Water. 2020; 12 (12):3504.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Massazza; Vieri Tarchiani; Jafet C. M. Andersson; Abdou Ali; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Alessandro Pezzoli; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Bernard Minoungou; David Gustafsson; Maurizio Rosso. 2020. "Downscaling Regional Hydrological Forecast for Operational Use in Local Early Warning: HYPE Models in the Sirba River." Water 12, no. 12: 3504.
In developing countries, and particularly in West Africa, the role of Climate Services (CS) for sustainable development is growing thanks to wide spreading collaboration among European institutions, including National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) research centers, universities, and homologue local institutions. Operationally, the implementation of CSs in developing countries is mainly pivoted on NMHS, which, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), are dramatically affected by unmet learning demand. The global scale of learning needs for co-development of CSs calls for innovative solutions and a range of flexible modalities to reach learners in a variety of ways, and for sharing resources and successful strategies within the global education and training community. In order to harmonize expected learning outcomes, WMO defined a competency framework (CF) for CSs to be used in the implementation of training initiatives and knowledge sharing tools. This paper presents the strategic and methodological approach adopted in the implementation of the TOPaCS, a new knowledge-based distance learning initiative, aiming to provide a flexible learning environment within the CSs CF of WMO ensuring coherence with other WMO education initiatives (Global Campus, other RTCs, etc.). The methodological approach adopted is based on the competency-based approach to training, where competencies are composed by elements of knowledge and skill. TOPaCS integrates the WMO CF for CSs into a taxonomy co-designed with stakeholders at different levels, and allows the definition of learning paths, which are a further interactive opportunity for co-development of CSs within the TOPaCS learning ecosystem. Indeed, the approach aims also to guide further instructional strategies and assessments and becomes a starting point to build a common language enabling a better cooperation and exchange between the different CSs training initiatives.
Vieri Tarchiani; Elena Rapisardi; Patrick Parrish; Edmondo Di Giuseppe; Maurizio Bacci; Marina Baldi; Massimiliano Pasqui. Competencies based innovative learning solutions for co-development of climate services in West Africa. Advances in Science and Research 2020, 17, 47 -52.
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Elena Rapisardi, Patrick Parrish, Edmondo Di Giuseppe, Maurizio Bacci, Marina Baldi, Massimiliano Pasqui. Competencies based innovative learning solutions for co-development of climate services in West Africa. Advances in Science and Research. 2020; 17 ():47-52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Elena Rapisardi; Patrick Parrish; Edmondo Di Giuseppe; Maurizio Bacci; Marina Baldi; Massimiliano Pasqui. 2020. "Competencies based innovative learning solutions for co-development of climate services in West Africa." Advances in Science and Research 17, no. : 47-52.
Agriculture production in Nigerien rural areas mainly depends on weather variability. Weather forecasts produced by national or international bodies have very limited dissemination in rural areas and even if broadcast by local radio, they remain generic and limited to short-term information. According to several experiences in West Africa, weather and climate services (WCSs) have great potential to support farmers’ decision making. The challenge is to reach local communities with tailored information about the future weather to support strategic and tactical crop management decisions. WCSs, in West Africa, are mainly based on short-range weather forecasts and seasonal climate forecasts, while medium-range weather forecasts, even if potentially very useful for crop management, are rarely produced. This paper presents the results of a pilot initiative in Niger to reach farming communities with 10-day forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—Global Forecast System (NOAA-GFS) produced by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). After the implementation of the download and treatment chain, the Niger National Meteorological Directorate can provide 10-day agrometeorological forecasts to the agricultural extension services in eight rural municipalities. Exploiting the users’ evaluation of the forecasts, an analysis of usability and overall performance of the service is described. The results demonstrate that, even in rural and remote areas, agrometeorological forecasts are valued as powerful and useful information for decision-making processes. The service can be implemented at low cost with effective technologies making it affordable and sustainable even in developing countries. Nonetheless, the service’s effectiveness depends on several aspects mainly related to the way information is communicated to the public.
Maurizio Bacci; Youchaou Ousman Baoua; Vieri Tarchiani. Agrometeorological Forecast for Smallholder Farmers: A Powerful Tool for Weather-Informed Crops Management in the Sahel. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3246 .
AMA StyleMaurizio Bacci, Youchaou Ousman Baoua, Vieri Tarchiani. Agrometeorological Forecast for Smallholder Farmers: A Powerful Tool for Weather-Informed Crops Management in the Sahel. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (8):3246.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaurizio Bacci; Youchaou Ousman Baoua; Vieri Tarchiani. 2020. "Agrometeorological Forecast for Smallholder Farmers: A Powerful Tool for Weather-Informed Crops Management in the Sahel." Sustainability 12, no. 8: 3246.
Floods have recently become a major hazard in West Africa (WA) in terms of both their magnitude and frequency. They affect livelihoods, infrastructure and production systems, hence impacting on Sustainable Development (SD). Early Warning Systems (EWS) for floods that properly address all four EWS components, while also being community and impact-based, do not yet exist in WA. Existing systems address only the main rivers, are conceived in a top-down manner and are hazard-centered. This study on the Sirba river in Niger aims to demonstrate that an operational community and impact-based EWS for floods can be set up by leveraging the existing tools, local stakeholders and knowledge. The main finding of the study is that bridging the gap between top-down and bottom-up approaches is possible by directly connecting the available technical capabilities with the local level through a participatory approach. This allows the beneficiaries to define the rules that will develop the whole system, strengthening their ability to understand the information and take action. Moreover, the integration of hydrological forecasts and observations with the community monitoring and preparedness system provides a lead time suitable for operational decision-making at national and local levels. The study points out the need for the commitment of governments to the transboundary sharing of flood information for EWS and SD.
Vieri Tarchiani; Giovanni Massazza; Maurizio Rosso; Maurizio Tiepolo; Alessandro Pezzoli; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Gaptia Lawan Katiellou; Paolo Tamagnone; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Valentina Marchi; Elena Rapisardi. Community and Impact Based Early Warning System for Flood Risk Preparedness: The Experience of the Sirba River in Niger. Sustainability 2020, 12, 1802 .
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Giovanni Massazza, Maurizio Rosso, Maurizio Tiepolo, Alessandro Pezzoli, Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim, Gaptia Lawan Katiellou, Paolo Tamagnone, Tiziana De Filippis, Leandro Rocchi, Valentina Marchi, Elena Rapisardi. Community and Impact Based Early Warning System for Flood Risk Preparedness: The Experience of the Sirba River in Niger. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (5):1802.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Giovanni Massazza; Maurizio Rosso; Maurizio Tiepolo; Alessandro Pezzoli; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Gaptia Lawan Katiellou; Paolo Tamagnone; Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Valentina Marchi; Elena Rapisardi. 2020. "Community and Impact Based Early Warning System for Flood Risk Preparedness: The Experience of the Sirba River in Niger." Sustainability 12, no. 5: 1802.
In Sahelian countries, a vast number of people are still affected every year by flood despite the efforts to prevent or mitigate these catastrophic events. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the incessant population growth and the increase of extreme natural events. Hence, the development of flood management strategies such as flood hazard mapping and Early Warning Systems has become a crucial objective for the affected nations. This study presents a comprehensive hazard assessment of the Nigerien reach of the Sirba River, the main tributary Middle Niger River. Hazard thresholds were defined both on hydrological analysis and field effects, according to national guidelines. Non-stationary analyses were carried out to consider changes in the hydrological behavior of the Sirba basin over time. Data from topographical land surveys and discharge gauges collected during the 2018 dry and wet seasons were used to implement the hydraulic numerical model of the analyzed reach. The use of the proposed hydraulic model allowed the delineation of flood hazard maps as well the calculation of the flood propagation time from the upstream hydrometric station and the validation of the rating curves of the two gauging sites. These significative outcomes will allow the implementation of the Early Warning System for the river flood hazard and risk reduction plans preparation for each settlement.
Giovanni Massazza; Paolo Tamagnone; Catherine Wilcox; Elena Belcore; Alessandro Pezzoli; Theo Vischel; Gérémy Panthou; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Maurizio Tiepolo; Vieri Tarchiani; Maurizio Rosso. Flood Hazard Scenarios of the Sirba River (Niger): Evaluation of the Hazard Thresholds and Flooding Areas. Water 2019, 11, 1018 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Massazza, Paolo Tamagnone, Catherine Wilcox, Elena Belcore, Alessandro Pezzoli, Theo Vischel, Gérémy Panthou, Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim, Maurizio Tiepolo, Vieri Tarchiani, Maurizio Rosso. Flood Hazard Scenarios of the Sirba River (Niger): Evaluation of the Hazard Thresholds and Flooding Areas. Water. 2019; 11 (5):1018.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Massazza; Paolo Tamagnone; Catherine Wilcox; Elena Belcore; Alessandro Pezzoli; Theo Vischel; Gérémy Panthou; Mohamed Housseini Ibrahim; Maurizio Tiepolo; Vieri Tarchiani; Maurizio Rosso. 2019. "Flood Hazard Scenarios of the Sirba River (Niger): Evaluation of the Hazard Thresholds and Flooding Areas." Water 11, no. 5: 1018.
During the World Climate Conference-3, Capacity Development has been acknowledged as a transversal component underpinning all the other Pillars of the Global Framework for Climate Services. Within the Mediterranean basin, the interest of climate services based on seasonal climate forecasts is rising because they provide an opportunity for developing a proactive approach towards water management. In 2014, the Regional Training Center (RTC) in Italy, in agreement with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and member countries of Region I and VI, identified seasonal climate forecasts as a strategic subject of capacity development for the Mediterranean Region. Following design-based research methods, this paper presents the evolution of the training approaches adopted, from classroom lessons to a blend of practical and theoretical classroom and distance learning. This evolution, as well as the rising satisfaction of trainees' expectations encouraged WMO and the RTC to widen the spectrum of beneficiaries and to make the resulting course materials available for other regions and RTCs as a course package. The course package provides essential guidelines to facilitate adoption and adaptation of the course by different institutions and instructors, including those in other WMO Regions, based on regional or institutional learning needs and standards, while also serving the needs of individual learners.
Vieri Tarchiani; Massimiliano Pasqui; Patrick Parrish; Elena Rapisardi; Edmondo Di Giuseppe; Marina Baldi. Learning and teaching about seasonal climate forecasts: a Mediterranean educational experience toward operational climate services. Advances in Science and Research 2019, 15, 257 -262.
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Massimiliano Pasqui, Patrick Parrish, Elena Rapisardi, Edmondo Di Giuseppe, Marina Baldi. Learning and teaching about seasonal climate forecasts: a Mediterranean educational experience toward operational climate services. Advances in Science and Research. 2019; 15 ():257-262.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Massimiliano Pasqui; Patrick Parrish; Elena Rapisardi; Edmondo Di Giuseppe; Marina Baldi. 2019. "Learning and teaching about seasonal climate forecasts: a Mediterranean educational experience toward operational climate services." Advances in Science and Research 15, no. : 257-262.
During the last two decades, the sub-Saharan region has experienced unusual floods that have differentially impacted the region. No official and precise data regarding flood damage and impacts on the population are available, and the magnitude of events are not easily evaluated. Most previous studies have investigated this new threat using data derived from local media sources or world disaster databases. The aim of this study was to provide the scientific community and policy makers with an updated and reliable referenced data source concerning floods in Niger between 1998 and 2015, at national, regional and sub-regional scales. Reliable information regarding floods was derived from the national official flood damage database (ANADIA DB) showing their impact on the country. During the investigated period, considerable numbers regarding flood impacts were found (about 4000 settlements and 1.7 million people were affected by floods). The analysis also indicates a sudden increase in flood impacts since 2010. Regions in the south-west (Tillabery, Dosso and Niamey district) are the most affected; however, this kind of risk involves the whole country, and some particularly vulnerable areas have been identified. A data modeling comprehensive framework based on remotely sensed rainfall (climate hazards group infrared precipitation with stations (CHIRPS)) and vegetation index (moderate resolution imagery spectroradiometer normalized difference vegetation index (MODIS NDVI)) datasets data along with census data were used to investigate which variables are most able to explain the recent and sudden Niger flood vulnerability detected at the departmental scale. Only a few statistically significant flood damage models were found (61 out of 297), due essentially to the non-linearity of the increase in damage time series compared to environmental and climatic trends. The population increase is the most significant variable at national level; however, at regional and sub-regional scales, different patterns provided evidence to identify local triggers for vulnerability.
Edoardo Fiorillo; Alfonso Crisci; Hassimou Issa; Giampiero Maracchi; Marco Morabito; Vieri Tarchiani. Recent Changes of Floods and Related Impacts in Niger Based on the ANADIA Niger Flood Database. Climate 2018, 6, 59 .
AMA StyleEdoardo Fiorillo, Alfonso Crisci, Hassimou Issa, Giampiero Maracchi, Marco Morabito, Vieri Tarchiani. Recent Changes of Floods and Related Impacts in Niger Based on the ANADIA Niger Flood Database. Climate. 2018; 6 (3):59.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdoardo Fiorillo; Alfonso Crisci; Hassimou Issa; Giampiero Maracchi; Marco Morabito; Vieri Tarchiani. 2018. "Recent Changes of Floods and Related Impacts in Niger Based on the ANADIA Niger Flood Database." Climate 6, no. 3: 59.
Climate variability and change are recognised as a major threat for West African agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers. Moreover, population pressure, poverty, and food insecurity, are worsening the vulnerability of production systems to climate risks. Application of Climate Services in agriculture, specifically Agrometeorological Services, is acknowledged as a valuable innovation to assist decision-making and develop farmers' specific adaptive capacities. In West Africa, the World Meteorological Organisation and National Meteorological Services deployed considerable efforts in the development of Agrometeorological Services. Nevertheless, the impacts of such services on West African farming communities are still largely unknown. This paper aims to delineate the added value of agrometeorological services for farmers within the Agriculture Innovation System of Mauritania. The results of this quali-quantitative assessment demonstrate that farmers use agrometeorological information for a variety of choices: making strategic choice on the seed variety and on the geographical distribution of plots, choosing the most appropriate planting date, better tuning crop development cycle with the rhythm of the rains and choosing favourable periods for different cultural operations. Globally, the effects of all these good practices can be summarized by an increase of crops productivity and a decrease of cropping costs (including opportunity cost) in terms of inputs and working time.
Vieri Tarchiani; José Camacho; Hamidou Coulibaly; Federica Rossi; Robert Stefanski. Agrometeorological services for smallholder farmers in West Africa. Advances in Science and Research 2018, 15, 15 -20.
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, José Camacho, Hamidou Coulibaly, Federica Rossi, Robert Stefanski. Agrometeorological services for smallholder farmers in West Africa. Advances in Science and Research. 2018; 15 ():15-20.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; José Camacho; Hamidou Coulibaly; Federica Rossi; Robert Stefanski. 2018. "Agrometeorological services for smallholder farmers in West Africa." Advances in Science and Research 15, no. : 15-20.
Edoardo Fiorillo; Fabio Maselli; Vieri Tarchiani; Patrizio Vignaroli. Analysis of land degradation processes on a tiger bush plateau in South West Niger using MODIS and LANDSAT TM/ETM+ data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation 2017, 62, 56 -68.
AMA StyleEdoardo Fiorillo, Fabio Maselli, Vieri Tarchiani, Patrizio Vignaroli. Analysis of land degradation processes on a tiger bush plateau in South West Niger using MODIS and LANDSAT TM/ETM+ data. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. 2017; 62 ():56-68.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdoardo Fiorillo; Fabio Maselli; Vieri Tarchiani; Patrizio Vignaroli. 2017. "Analysis of land degradation processes on a tiger bush plateau in South West Niger using MODIS and LANDSAT TM/ETM+ data." International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation 62, no. : 56-68.
In the last seven years, tropical cities with a climate plan have tripled compared to the previous seven years. According to the 11th United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal, climate planning should significantly increase by 2030. The Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction (2015) and the New urban agenda signed in Quito (2016) indicate how to achieve this goal through analysis, categories of plans and specific measures. This chapter identifies the main obstacles to the significant increase in tropical human settlements with a climate plan and the possible solutions. First of all, the distribution and trend at 2030 of tropical human settlements are ascertained. Then local access to information on damage, hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risk, and the consideration of these aspects in the national guides to local climate planning are verified. Lastly, the categories of plans and climate measures recommended by the United Nations are compared with those that are most common today, using a database of 401 climate plans for 338 tropical cities relating to 41 countries. The chapter highlights the fact that the prescription for treating tropical cities affected by climate change has been prepared without an accurate diagnosis. Significantly increasing climate planning must consider that small-medium human settlements in the Tropics will prevail at least until 2030. And most effort will be required from Developing and Least Developed Countries. The recommendations of the United Nations concerning the preliminary analyses ignore the fact that local authorities usually do not have access to the necessary information. Climate plans and recommended measures are not those currently in use. We propose three areas of action to facilitate the mainstreaming of the recommendations in the tropical context. They require a renewal of the local planning process if we intend to reach the 11th SDG by 2030.
Maurizio Tiepolo; Alessandro Pezzoli; Vieri Tarchiani. Renewing Climate Planning Locally to Attend the 11th Sustainable Development Goal in the Tropics. Smart and Sustainable Planning for Cities and Regions 2017, 1 -18.
AMA StyleMaurizio Tiepolo, Alessandro Pezzoli, Vieri Tarchiani. Renewing Climate Planning Locally to Attend the 11th Sustainable Development Goal in the Tropics. Smart and Sustainable Planning for Cities and Regions. 2017; ():1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaurizio Tiepolo; Alessandro Pezzoli; Vieri Tarchiani. 2017. "Renewing Climate Planning Locally to Attend the 11th Sustainable Development Goal in the Tropics." Smart and Sustainable Planning for Cities and Regions , no. : 1-18.
Flood events are increasing year by year in the Sahel, mainly caused by climate and land use changes. New strategies and tools are necessary to optimize flooding risk reduction plans. This paper presents a new hydrological method (FREM, Flooding Risk Evaluation Method), based on the curve number runoff estimation. The method can be adopted for small-medium basins and is based on the integration of remote sensing techniques with field surveys and participatory mapping. It consists of preliminary identification of the areas and sub-basins that most contribute to the flood risk; scenarios can then be developed in order to: (i) optimize the placement of traditional water retention structures in the elementary sub-basins that contribute most to the overall risk, (ii) assess the contribution of each hydraulic structure to reduce the total risk, (iii) give a priority ranking to these structures identifying those most urgent. The main advantages of this method are that it is easy to use and can be implemented using free available land cover, soil and morphology data and open-source GIS (Geographic Information System) software. A case study for the Ouro Gueladjo basin (Tillabery Region, Niger) is presented.
Edoardo Fiorillo; Vieri Tarchiani. A Simplified Hydrological Method for Flood Risk Assessment at Sub-basin Level in Niger. Green Energy and Technology 2017, 247 -263.
AMA StyleEdoardo Fiorillo, Vieri Tarchiani. A Simplified Hydrological Method for Flood Risk Assessment at Sub-basin Level in Niger. Green Energy and Technology. 2017; ():247-263.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEdoardo Fiorillo; Vieri Tarchiani. 2017. "A Simplified Hydrological Method for Flood Risk Assessment at Sub-basin Level in Niger." Green Energy and Technology , no. : 247-263.
In the Tropics, a significant increase in the number of cities provided with climate plans by 2020, as announced in the 11th Sustainable development goal of the United Nations, requires an unprecedented effort. To achieve it, we have to simplify the planning process and improve the quality of the plans. The aim of this book was to collect methods and experiences to inspire the simplification of the planning process and increase the quality of climate planning. We focused attention on the three critical phases of the planning process: analysis, decision making in planning, climate measures. Sixteen case studies from Ethiopia, Haiti, Malawi, Mexico, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania and Thailand cover automatic weather stations in remote areas, rainfall estimation gridded datasets, open data for vulnerability index to climate change, early warning systems, quality of climate plans index, multi-risk local assessment, flooding risk evaluation method, backcasting, spatial dimension in disaster risk reduction and resilience, gasification stoves, index-based insurance and vulnerability risk credit. After indicating the possible analyses, 19 recommendations were supplied to the United Nations SDGs monitoring system, the national weather services and those responsible for natural risks, to the Development banks, Official development aid and the research institutions.
Maurizio Tiepolo; Alessandro Pezzoli; Vieri Tarchiani. Renewing Climate Planning Locally in the Tropics: Conclusions. Green Energy and Technology 2017, 365 -372.
AMA StyleMaurizio Tiepolo, Alessandro Pezzoli, Vieri Tarchiani. Renewing Climate Planning Locally in the Tropics: Conclusions. Green Energy and Technology. 2017; ():365-372.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaurizio Tiepolo; Alessandro Pezzoli; Vieri Tarchiani. 2017. "Renewing Climate Planning Locally in the Tropics: Conclusions." Green Energy and Technology , no. : 365-372.
Climate change and increasing extreme events are a major threat to West African farmers, affecting crop production and exacerbating food insecurity. Climate Services, including weather and climate forecasts, are acknowledged as a valuable innovation to support Climate Smart Agriculture. The hypothesis is that agrometeorological information and services can effectively support farmers’ decision-making, improving agricultural productivity and increasing farmer incomes. While considerable research effort has been deployed in the development of climate services, the impacts of such services on West African farming communities are still largely unknown. This paper addresses this lacuna, assessing the use and impacts of climate services on farmers’ behavior and crop productivity within the Agricultural Innovation Systems of four countries: Mauritania, Niger, Ivory Coast and Ghana. The results of this quali-quantitative assessment demonstrate that farmers use the information for a variety of choices with related impacts, which vary by country and agroecosystem.JEL Codes: Q16, Q54, Q55, Q56
Vieri Tarchiani; Federica Rossi; José Camacho; Robert Stefanski; Kodjenini Augustin Mian; Dominic Soami Pokperlaar; Hamidou Coulibaly; Aïssatou Sitta Adamou. Smallholder Farmers Facing Climate Change in West Africa: Decision-Making between Innovation and Tradition. Journal of Innovation Economics & Management 2017, 24, 151 .
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Federica Rossi, José Camacho, Robert Stefanski, Kodjenini Augustin Mian, Dominic Soami Pokperlaar, Hamidou Coulibaly, Aïssatou Sitta Adamou. Smallholder Farmers Facing Climate Change in West Africa: Decision-Making between Innovation and Tradition. Journal of Innovation Economics & Management. 2017; 24 (3):151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Federica Rossi; José Camacho; Robert Stefanski; Kodjenini Augustin Mian; Dominic Soami Pokperlaar; Hamidou Coulibaly; Aïssatou Sitta Adamou. 2017. "Smallholder Farmers Facing Climate Change in West Africa: Decision-Making between Innovation and Tradition." Journal of Innovation Economics & Management 24, no. 3: 151.
Vieri Tarchiani; Maurizio Bacci; Maurizio Tiepolo. 14. Drought Risk in the Tillabery Region, Niger. Planning to cope with tropical and subtropical climate change 2016, 243 -266.
AMA StyleVieri Tarchiani, Maurizio Bacci, Maurizio Tiepolo. 14. Drought Risk in the Tillabery Region, Niger. Planning to cope with tropical and subtropical climate change. 2016; ():243-266.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVieri Tarchiani; Maurizio Bacci; Maurizio Tiepolo. 2016. "14. Drought Risk in the Tillabery Region, Niger." Planning to cope with tropical and subtropical climate change , no. : 243-266.
In Sub-Saharan Africa analysis tools and models based on meteorological satellites data have been developed within different national and international cooperation initiatives, with the aim of allowing a better monitoring of the cropping season. In most cases, the software was a stand-alone application and the upgrading, in terms of analysis functions, database and hardware maintenance, was difficult for the National Meteorological Services (NMSs) in charge of agro-hydro-meteorological monitoring. The web-based solution proposed in this work intends to improve and ensure the sustainability of applications to support national Early Warning Systems (EWSs) for food security. The Crop Risk Zones (CRZ) model for Niger and Mali, integrated in a web-based open source framework, has been implemented using PL/pgSQL & PostGIS functions to process different meteorological data sets: a) the rainfall precipitation forecast images from Global Forecast System (GFS) b) the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Rainfall Estimation (RFE) for Africa c) Multi-Sensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) images from EUMETSAT Earth Observation Portal d) the MOD16 Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Data Set. Restful Web Services upload raster images into the PostgreSQL/PostGIS database. PL/pgSQL functions are used to run the CRZ model to identify installation and phenological phases of the main crops in the Region and to create crop risk zones images. This model is focused on the early identification of risks and the production of information for food security within the time prescribed for decision-making. The challenge and the objective of this work is to set up an open access monitoring system, based on meteorological open data providers, targeting NMSs and any other local decision makers for drought risk reduction and resilience improvement.
Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Patrizio Vignaroli; Maurizio Bacci; Vieri Tarchiani; Elena Rapisardi. Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa. 2016, 1 .
AMA StyleTiziana De Filippis, Leandro Rocchi, Patrizio Vignaroli, Maurizio Bacci, Vieri Tarchiani, Elena Rapisardi. Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa. . 2016; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Patrizio Vignaroli; Maurizio Bacci; Vieri Tarchiani; Elena Rapisardi. 2016. "Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa." , no. : 1.
In Sub-Saharan Africa analysis tools and models based on meteorological satellites data have been developed within different national and international cooperation initiatives, with the aim of allowing a better monitoring of the cropping season. In most cases, the software was a stand-alone application and the upgrading, in terms of analysis functions, database and hardware maintenance, was difficult for the National Meteorological Services (NMSs) in charge of agro-hydro-meteorological monitoring. The web-based solution proposed in this work intends to improve and ensure the sustainability of applications to support national Early Warning Systems (EWSs) for food security. The Crop Risk Zones (CRZ) model for Niger and Mali, integrated in a web-based open source framework, has been implemented using PL/pgSQL & PostGIS functions to process different meteorological data sets: a) the rainfall precipitation forecast images from Global Forecast System (GFS) b) the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Rainfall Estimation (RFE) for Africa c) Multi-Sensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) images from EUMETSAT Earth Observation Portal d) the MOD16 Global Terrestrial Evapotranspiration Data Set. Restful Web Services upload raster images into the PostgreSQL/PostGIS database. PL/pgSQL functions are used to run the CRZ model to identify installation and phenological phases of the main crops in the Region and to create crop risk zones images. This model is focused on the early identification of risks and the production of information for food security within the time prescribed for decision-making. The challenge and the objective of this work is to set up an open access monitoring system, based on meteorological open data providers, targeting NMSs and any other local decision makers for drought risk reduction and resilience improvement.
Tiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Patrizio Vignaroli; Maurizio Bacci; Vieri Tarchiani; Elena Rapisardi. Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa. 2016, 1 .
AMA StyleTiziana De Filippis, Leandro Rocchi, Patrizio Vignaroli, Maurizio Bacci, Vieri Tarchiani, Elena Rapisardi. Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa. . 2016; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiziana De Filippis; Leandro Rocchi; Patrizio Vignaroli; Maurizio Bacci; Vieri Tarchiani; Elena Rapisardi. 2016. "Open source geoprocessing tools and meteorological satellite data for crop risk zones monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa." , no. : 1.