Addressing climate change adaptation in fragile settings and conflict-affected countries: Lessons learned from the adaptation fund’s portfolio

This study presents an overview of the Fund’s experience and lessons learned from addressing climate change adaptation and strengthening long-term resilience to climate change in fragile and conflict-afflicted countries. In addition, it documents case studies from the Fund’s portfolio to advance understanding among the wider adaptation community.

Several lessons have resulted from the analysis of the case studies. They include:

• In fragile and conflict-affected states, investing in capacity building and strengthening institutions to deliver climate financing effectively is essential;
• Ensuring local ownership of climate finance projects is essential for sustainability and success;
• Climate finance projects in these settings must be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances on the ground;
• Building strong partnerships between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector is essential for adequate climate financing in fragile and conflict-affected states;
• Monitoring and evaluation are critical for climate financing projects in fragile and conflict-affected states as these often encounter challenges that lead to project extensions and increased costs; furthermore, project objectives and outcomes may need to be adapted in response to shifting priorities and the evolving environment in such settings.