The station has its own frequency and network of participants who use it to exchange various types of information. Ham uses wireless radio technology, which is carried on numerous bands, extending from 160 metres up to several hundred gigahertzes.

The NMHS units in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are implementing a pilot project called 'Enhanced Surface Observations by voluntary Observers'. The first phase, which was completed in September 2002, involved carrying out a survey of potential voluntary observers and ham radio operators. The NMHS stations then organised a regional workshop to bring together the observers and operators as well as the producers of climate information. Participants were asked to assist in designing possible methods of improving the surface weather observation network across East Africa. This led to the identification of new observation sites located close to existing ham radio stations.

After the workshop, as part of a capacity-building exercise, the ham radio operators and voluntary observers received training in weather observation methods and the value of weather and climate information and prediction services.

In the next phase of the project, a limited number of inexpensive stand-alone surface observation systems will be installed at remote sites throughout the region. "If this initial effort proves successful, CLIPS will consider expanding the network to cover other parts of Africa."

Environment, Agriculture.

Organisers are motivated by the observation that natural disasters such as droughts and floods can have devastating impacts on the economies of African countries. The availability, dissemination, and application of timely climate and weather information are therefore vital in supporting national socio-economic development efforts.

This situation led CLIPS members to review and make better use of existing information systems to provide basic climate forecasting services for rural communities and thus help reduce the impacts of adverse weather conditions. One such system is the network of ham radio stations.

Organisers say the power of ham radio lies in the fact that it works when all other services fail. "When an area is struck by floods, the utility grid - including mobile phone towers and antennas - is likely to be destroyed over hundreds of square kilometres. During such emergencies, amateur radio is often the only means of communication between the communities in the affected area and the outside world."