Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announces strategic collaboration for climate-resilient local economic development
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today announced a ground-breaking partnership aimed at embedding climate resilience in Rwanda's local economic development efforts. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) and BRAC International, marks an additional milestone to strengthen existing efforts to integrate climate adaptation into local economic development initiatives across Rwanda.
The partnership focuses on integrating Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) approaches into Rwanda's Pro-Poor Development (PPD) Basket Fund, which aims to enhance the climate resilience of local economic development investments in poor and climate vulnerable districts. Under this agreement, pilot programs will be launched in the districts of Nyabihu and Ngororero, empowering communities to develop 'People's Adaptation Plans' that address local climate threats and inform investments under the PPD Basket Fund. The PPD Basket Fund is support by GCA partner Agence Française de Développement (AFD) as well as KfW and LuxDev.
This partnership underscores LODA's forward-thinking vision as it pioneers innovative methods to embed climate resilience into all aspects of local economic development. In collaboration with GCA, LODA will explore and propose strategies to seamlessly strengthen climate adaptation into its existing development processes, guidelines, and procedures, ensuring that resilience is firmly embedded as a fundamental element of its development strategy thereby setting a new standard for other organizations to follow.
Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, highlighted the importance of this initiative: "Rwanda stands at the forefront of Africa's fight against climate change, and this partnership marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to safeguard the future of our continent. In recent years, we have witnessed destructive rains in the country, affecting many households. Our commitment to embed climate resilience in local economic development is not just necessary-it is urgent. By empowering communities to lead in their adaptation journeys, we are transforming vulnerabilities into opportunities and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all, where no one is left behind in the pursuit of a climate-resilient world."
Claudine M. Sol. Nyinawagaga, Director General of LODA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the country's dedication to climate-resilient development: "This partnership with GCA and BRAC International is vital for our mandate and strategy. Integrating locally led adaptation into our development plans will empower our communities to take charge of their future and ensure resilience in the face of climate change."
Alex Bekunda, Rwanda Country Director, BRAC International noted that "At BRAC International, we believe that sustainable development begins with the empowerment of local communities. This partnership in Rwanda is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing climate challenge. By working closely with GCA and LODA, we are confident that we can drive meaningful change, building resilience at the grassroots level and setting a precedent for climate adaptation efforts across Africa".
Arthur Germond, Country Director for Rwanda, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) said "Agence Française de Développement, is deeply committed to supporting initiatives that enhance Rwanda's resilience to climate change. The PPD Basket Fund is a critical tool in our efforts to empower local communities and strengthen their ability to withstand climate challenges. I am convinced our collaboration with GCA in Rwanda, and LODA, will have great impact and will lead to further engagement between our institutions elsewhere on the continent and beyond."
Through this collaboration, GCA will support the development of guidelines and capacity building for LODA and district staff, enabling the reinforcement of integration of climate change considerations into broader development investments. Additionally, the initiative will explore synergies between climate adaptation and social protection, particularly through the Government Graduation Strategy and the BRAC Ultra Poor Initiative.
The GCA's ongoing support for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) underlines the organization's commitment to driving adaptation efforts across Africa. This new partnership is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the continent, demonstrating the power of locally led approaches in building climate-resilient communities.