Chapter 12 - Practice—actionable information and decision-making networks

Abstract

In general, intelligent behavior builds on a spectrum of operations that begins with raw sensory data, which is then interpreted as information, translated into knowledge, and finally used to guide wise and appropriate actions. Effective drought early warning systems (DEWS) provide “actionable” information. Actionable information is timely, accurate, and reasonably specific. But it is also provided in formats and contexts such that it can be effectively used to guide decision-making. This means that the information provided by DEWS is integrated with two of the pillars of effective drought risk management: drought vulnerability and risk assessment, and drought preparedness, mitigation, and response. The format of effective and actionable information often involves a translation into sector-specific impacts and recommendations. For example, observed and predicted meteorological conditions might be translated into specific potential forecasts of streamflow, reservoir levels, or snowpack. A similar transformation process might be used to predict agricultural outcomes or rangeland conditions. Such transformations can make drought information much more usable. This chapter describes these considerations and applies them in the context of the food security projections provided by USAID's Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) in East Africa.