Despite growing global attention and significant investments in Early Warning Systems (EWS) from a variety of financing streams, there are still failures in reaching those most at risk, which often stem from not taking a ‘people-centred’ approach to EWS design and delivery. This paper presents the findings from a study that critically examines the current landscape of official development assistance in financing EWSs, with a specific focus on ensuring that these systems are people-centred. Key challenges identified include fragmented mandates and financing streams among stakeholders, insufficient measurement of investment quality and its impact, power imbalances in decision-making processes, and structural barriers preventing local implementing actors from accessing funds for EWS directly.
A fundamental shift is needed towards integrated, decentralized, and long-term financing mechanisms that are embedded within national and local governance structures, and that actively involve the communities in their design and implementation. This requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, and not only an improvement in direct funding but also a political economy lens to address the underlying power dynamics in these structures.
This paper offers actionable recommendations to reorient EWS financing towards systems that are inclusive, locally owned, and integrated across government, climate, humanitarian and development sectors. A systems lens and a structured reform pathway are needed to address the fragmentation, exclusion, and inefficiencies in the current funding modalities. By prioritizing people-centred approaches and addressing these systemic challenges to funding mechanisms, we can significantly improve the effectiveness of EWS and reduce disaster risks for vulnerable populations.
[Note: The Policy Brief for this report is available here]