Forecast-based financing (FbF) in Kyrgyzstan

In January 2019 the Red Crescent Society of Kyrgyzstan (RCSK) with technical support of the German Red Cross (GRC) and close cooperation with the national hydrometeorological agency (Kyrgyzgydromet) and local Ministry of Emergency Situations (MoES) launched the "Forecast-based Financing (FbF)" project funded by the Deutsche Bank Stiftung (DBS).

Project objective

A three-year FbF project in Kyrgyzstan will support the local population with early measures to protect themselves and their belongings from the effects of extreme natural disasters and thus to prevent or at least reduce damage and suffering through timely intervention. In addition, the project is aimed at increasing cooperation among RCSK, Kyrgyzgydromet, as well as the MoES with respect to responding to emergencies in the country.

Anticipation in practice: Project description

Heatwaves in Kyrgyzstan generally occur from June to August. Temperatures can reach up to 49 °C, and historical trends show indicate that monthly average temperatures during these months has risen over the last 50 years. Unlike more dramatic disasters such as floods or cyclones, heatwaves cause more subtle impacts, putting market vendors, construction and farm workers, and other vulnerable populations at risk of heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses. In order to reduce the negative consequences of extreme heat on these populations, the Red Crescent Society of Kyrgyzstan is proposing to implement the following early actions:

• Dissemination of food parcels to vulnerable families to enable people to shelter at home during the heat
• Distribution of hygiene products to reduce rates of infection during the heat
• Distribution of information materials and installation of educational boards to educate people on how to prevent heat-related illnesses
• Installation of air conditioners at eldercare facilities to protect elderly populations from extreme heat
• Dissemination of early warning messages and information campaigns via videos, master classes, and SMS.

The heatwave protocol is triggered when Kyrgyzhydromet issues a forecast indicating that temperatures will be 7°С above the 30-year average for the season and area for three or more days. These forecasts provide RCSK with seven-days of lead time with which to take early action. Beneficiaries will be selected according to the indicators of vulnerability (Kyrgyzstan poverty rate map) and exposure (Kyrgyzstan poor population index map). These maps will be compared and overlaid with a heatwave forecast map.  

Coldwaves in Kyrgyzstan generally occur between December and February. Low temperatures threaten livestock and contribute to acute respiratory diseases and other health problems among children, the elderly, the poor, and those who must continue to work outdoors. Although the cold wave EAP is still under development, the Red Crescent Society of Kyrgyzstan is considering the following early actions to mitigate the impact of cold waves:

• Distribution of non-food items, including heaters for homes, window insulation, blankets and warm clothing to protect vulnerable populations from the cold
• Dissemination of early warning and awareness messages via radio, television and newspaper and the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ cellphone warning system to educate people on how to protect themselves from the cold
• Distribution of essential food commodities to ensure people have sufficient supplies during the cold wave period (approximately one week).
• Mount outdoor heating shelters and warm beverages at strategic points in large cities to provide refuge for homeless people or outdoor workers.

The trigger for the cold wave EAP is under development.