Adapting the Sahel region and Congo Basin to climate change

Context

The regions of Central and West Africa (PACO network) are facing major challenges due to climate change. The new weather conditions have a direct impact on the population, which relies heavily on agriculture. In the Sahel region, climate change is therefore also linked to conflicts and migration. Given the immense importance of the Congo Basin forests as carbon reservoirs, adapting them to the changing climate is crucial.

Women are particularly hard hit by climate change. Their greater reliance on endangered natural resources, combined with more limited access to education and information, makes it especially challenging for them to manage climate-related risks in agriculture.

Objective

The actors in the PACO countries are implementing important adaptations in line with their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and national adaptation plans.

Approach

The project encompasses the following activities:

• Strengthening the organisational and administrative capacities of the Climate Commissions for the Sahel (CCRS) and the Congo Basin (CCBC) so that they can support their member countries in implementing their adaptation priorities
• Improving national monitoring systems for adaptation projects
• Promoting mechanisms for coordinating national and local adaptations
• Supporting private sector stakeholders in assessing climate risk and implementing risk mitigation measures
• Implementing 20 adaptation projects with the aim of reaching 50,000 people. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) provides scientific support for these projects.
• Promoting and supporting South-South exchange through webinars, conferences and other exchange formats.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are actively working to secure additional funds.

Last update: December 2023