Collaborative Early Warning Mechanism Reduces Impact of Climatic Disturbances and Disasters in DRC

This case describes how CRS used a collaborative, learning and adapting (CLA) approach to address the challenge of climate shocks and natural disasters affecting food security and stabilization in Kasai Central and Tanganyika provinces of the DRC. From March 2022-2024 the Displaced, Returnee, and Host Households Invite Recovery in the D.R. Congo (DRIVE) project aimed to improve agricultural livelihoods and resilience of conflict-affected households through multisectoral interventions. However, recurrent droughts, floods, pests, and diseases threatened to undermine the project's impact and sustainability. To cope with these risks, CRS established a collaborative framework with local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders to implement an early warning system (EWS) that monitored and responded to environmental and social risks. The collaborative EWS enabled the project team and the beneficiaries to identify warning signs, analyze them, and adapt their practices accordingly. The EWS also facilitated continuous learning and improvement by informing the development of community action plans and communication strategies. Through the integration of multiple CLA framework components (internal and external collaboration, use of a technical evidence base, pause and reflect, adaptive management, CLA in implementing mechanisms, and continuous learning and improving), the project was able to mitigate the effects of climate disruptions and natural disasters, encourage the uptake of best agricultural practices, and improve overall production and resilience.