Deadline: 26-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking partners to enhance climate information services and community early warning systems for small-scale farmers in Honduras. The initiative focuses on co-produced climate alerts, institutional capacity building, and community preparedness to improve livelihoods and self-reliance in vulnerable areas of the Goascorán River basin.
Overview of the Initiative
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a call for expression of interest to strengthen climate information services and community early warning systems in Honduras. The project targets small-scale farmers and vulnerable communities in the Goascorán River basin, specifically within Valle Department and La Paz Department. Its core goal is to ensure timely, adapted, and co-produced climate and meteorological information reaches those who need it most, supporting climate risk management and resilience. Key focus areas include enhancing access to climate and weather information, co-producing climate alerts with local communities, strengthening community Early Warning Systems (EWS), and promoting self-reliance and livelihood resilience.
Objectives of the Project
-
Baseline Assessment of Community Needs: Evaluate the current status of climate information services, assess access to information and risk management practices among beneficiaries, map suppliers and managers of climate information, diagnose communication channels and propose an information flow diagram, produce a technical strengthening plan for 2026–2027.
-
Co-Production of Climate Warnings: Develop participatory methodologies such as PICSA (Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture), create an operational notification system for climate alerts, prepare educational and training materials for communities, establish community feedback and exchange protocols.
-
Strengthening Community Early Warning Systems: Develop a technical-practical guide for EWS, map and disseminate community alert systems, approve alert protocols at municipal and micro-basin council levels, improve local preparedness and coordinated community response.
Who is Eligible?
Organizations and entities that can demonstrate expertise in climate services and meteorology, community engagement and capacity building, early warning system development and implementation, participatory approaches for rural and vulnerable communities. Priority will be given to entities with experience in livelihood-focused interventions and climate risk management in Central America.
Why This Initiative Matters
Reduces climate vulnerability: Timely warnings help communities mitigate losses from extreme weather events. Strengthens local capacities: Combines technical system improvements with community education. Supports livelihoods: Enhances agricultural productivity and self-reliance. Promotes inclusive communication: Ensures information is culturally relevant and accessible.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Baseline Assessment
Conduct surveys and interviews to understand community needs, map current climate information services and providers, analyze existing communication channels and usage patterns.
Step 2: Co-Production of Climate Alerts
Develop participatory frameworks (e.g., PICSA) with farmers and local institutions, create a notification system for real-time climate alerts, train communities to interpret and act on climate information.
Step 3: Strengthening Community EWS
Map all alert systems at the community level, standardize alert protocols and integrate them into municipal planning, provide guides and training for sustainable operation and feedback mechanisms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring local knowledge and cultural practices in warning systems. Focusing only on technology without building community capacity. Failing to coordinate with municipal authorities or local meteorological institutions. Skipping baseline assessments, which leads to misaligned interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What regions are targeted? Valle Department and La Paz Department in the Goascorán River basin, Honduras.
2. Who can apply? Organizations with expertise in climate services, early warning systems, and community-based interventions.
3. What is the main goal of the project? To provide timely, adapted, and co-produced climate information for vulnerable communities to improve resilience and livelihoods.
4. Which methods are used for co-production? Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) or similar approaches.
5. What outputs are expected? Baseline assessment reports, climate alerts, educational materials, operational notification systems, and approved alert protocols.
6. How will communities benefit? Communities will gain better access to climate information, learn how to respond to alerts, and strengthen local preparedness.
7. What is the timeframe? The technical strengthening plan and activities are scheduled for 2026–2027.
Conclusion
The WFP initiative in Honduras is a strategic effort to link climate science with community action. By combining institutional capacity building, co-produced climate warnings, and strengthened Early Warning Systems, the project empowers communities to manage climate risks effectively, protect livelihoods, and build self-reliant, resilient societies.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
