ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the drought early warning program of Assessment and Information Services Center (AISC), including procedures and tools used, technical assistance, problems encountered with transferring the system to developing nations, and potential benefits. It outlines suggestions for improving the assessments and information flow. In 1979, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) / National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service/AISC began developing its international climate impact assessment technology with support from the US Agency for International Development, Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance. The NOAA Drought Early Warning System is based on three subsystems: agroclimatic indices, satellite assessment models, and crop yield forecast models. The training aspect of the AISC technology transfer program is intensive and considered unique. The AISC Drought Early Warning System can be improved in several ways to upgrade the quality, timeliness, and quantification of the assessments. These include techniques development, computer hardware, communications, and expansion of technical assistance.
