This IGAD Climate Adaptation Strategy (2023-2030) is a comprehensive blueprint that provides a framework for coordinated implementation of actions, informed by the latest data and evidence, to address climate risks and enhance the resilience and adaptive capacities and priorities of IGAD Member States set out in their respective national climate, development, environmental and disaster reduction policies, frameworks and strategies. At the same time, it addresses the causes of vulnerability to climate risks and the impacts of climate change in the IGAD region. It provides a whole-of-society approach to resilience that sets near, medium and long-term targets that are achievable, together with enhancing the technical and institutional capacities of Member States, mobilizing additional financial resources, and improving data and knowledge management, with a particular focus on meaningful engagement, participation and the co-implementation with local communities and vulnerable groupings. The document is guided by the principles of people-centredness, Africa-led and Africa-owned, sustainability, gender-responsive and an equitable just transition, representing an opportunity to collaborate on enhancing not only finances but also technical support so that climate change does not reverse the development gains made by the Member States. The Strategy delineates priority action areas, each with specified adaptation interventions to effectively address challenges and opportunities within key sectors, encompassing enhanced risk assessments, innovative financing, cross-sectoral collaboration, climate information services, coordination between member states and communities, nature-based solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure, adaptation capacity strengthening, research and data sharing, adaptation governance, and a Theory of Change framework, ensuring clear and accountable measures. Aligned with the IGAD overall Strategy, strategic objectives aim to support policy development, enhance adaptive capacity of vulnerable populations, promote knowledge management, and foster cooperation for inclusive sustainable development, with monitoring, evaluation, and learning being integral for successful implementation. The Strategy targets key sectors (i) food systems including nature-based and ecosystem-based adaptations to boost food production and secure sustainable livelihoods for millions. Additionally, sustainable agricultural development, alongside supportive governance systems and policies, can improve yield stability in uncertain climates. An integrated adaptation approach, incorporating climate information services, capacity building, indigenous knowledge, and strategic financial investment, presents a flexible solution for African food security challenges. Tailored solutions at the household level, including livelihood diversification, are crucial due to diverse pastoral and agricultural systems. Efforts to explore alternative income sources such as fisheries and tourism require effective natural resource management and improved water governance, supported by digital agriculture, early warning systems, and climate finance to ensure funding reaches impacted communities for climate risk management and livelihood enhancement; (ii) water, envisioning a shift to water-sensitive cities through strategic adaptation investments, promising improved liveability, reduced flooding, safe water access, lower energy demands, and lessons learned from developed cities; (iii) health, with actions from resilient health systems to addressing extreme weather impacts and rising temperatures; (iv) human settlements and infrastructure, emphasizing climate resilience in urban and peri-urban areas as cost-effective solutions with innovative financing; (v) human mobility and displacement, advocating inclusive development, adaptation investment, and respecting rights to mitigate displacement risks; (vi) economy, poverty, and livelihoods, promoting community cooperation, targeted interventions, and infrastructure investment for job creation and coastal zone revitalization; (vii) environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity, advocating livelihood diversification, rapid post-disaster support, and inclusive engagement for maintaining and restoring indigenous forests to enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate impacts; (ix) education with its crucial role in enhancing public understanding of climate risk and effective adaptation options, advocating for comprehensive climate literacy among policymakers, critical climate-reliant industries, and vulnerable groups such as women and youth. Over the 8-year period, the Strategy will be implemented through three phases: (1) readiness, (2) pilot implementation, and (3) lessons sharing and scaling, encompassing activities such as establishing institutional arrangements, preparing proposals, raising awareness, refining priority actions, mobilizing resources, conducting baseline assessments, initiating pilot projects, scaling up interventions, conducting annual reviews, sharing best practices, facilitating cooperation, conducting reviews, and identifying new challenges for further action.
2023-11-01