From July 2023, ahead of the predicted 2023/2024 El Niño-induced drought, WFP activated its anticipatory action plans in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Madagascar. As part of these activations, WFP supported key interventions across the four countries, including cash-based transfers (CBT), distribution of drought-tolerant seeds, and the dissemination of Last Mile Early Warning Messages (LMEWM). LMEWM involves the timely dissemination of weather alerts and advisories to communities, particularly in vulnerable areas, to enable them to act ahead of a predicated hazard. The LMEWM disseminated ahead of the predicted impacts of the El Niño event, reached over 1.2 million at-risk individuals ahead of the impacts of the El Niño event allowing them to make risk-informed decisions and to protect their lives and livelihoods ahead of the predicted drought (see Figure 1). This case study highlights the process of developing and disseminating LMEWM, and documents best practices and recommendations for effective planning and implementation of LMEWM as part of an AA activation.
