TANZANIA: IN a critical call to action, regional governments are being urged to tackle existing gaps in technical capacity and climate finance management to enhance the effectiveness of local adaptation initiatives.
Here, experts emphasise that a systematic approach to decentralised climate financing mechanisms is essential to foster inclusive community involvement and attract private sector investments.
At a recent conference on climate resilience, participants highlighted that many local governments struggle with accessing and managing climate finance due to inadequate governance structures.
These gaps hinder not only the smooth flow of funds but also the effective expenditure and monitoring of climate adaptation projects.
“If we want to see meaningful progress in climate adaptation, we need to strengthen our governance systems,” said Director of the Forum for Climate Change (FORUMCC), Sarah Ngoy.
“This means ensuring that communities are empowered to play an active role in the planning and implementation of projects.”
She said to address these challenges, regional leaders are encouraged to institutionalise and operationalise decentralised climate financing mechanisms. This includes developing robust public funding scale-up plans that prioritise locallyled adaptation targets.
Such measures are vital for attracting private sector investments in climate-resilient projects.
“When local governments have the tools and resources to lead adaptation efforts, it encourages community engagement and investment,” noted.
A key component of this approach is the active involvement of local communities in the entire lifecycle of adaptation projects from planning and design to implementation.
Experts argue that policies and financial arrangements must treat climate change as a development issue.
“Integrating climate finance into development budgets not only promotes sustainability but also aligns funding with local priorities,” said Tomás Mwangi, a researcher focused on community-led initiatives.
Diversifying funding sources is also critical.
Engaging multiple stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and communitybased organisations (CBOs), can create a more resilient financial ecosystem.
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Allocating funds directly to well-organised community groups can empower them to manage and sustain projects independently, thus enhancing local ownership and accountability.
Training and capacitybuilding initiatives for local communities and organisations are vital for effective climate finance utilisation.
“Empowering these groups through training ensures they have the necessary skills to implement and sustain projects long-term,” explained director of the Forum for Climate Change (FORUMCC), Sarah Ngoy.
Governments are also urged to prioritise peer learning and intergovernmental knowledge sharing. Such collaborative efforts can facilitate the adoption of best practices in climate finance management, making it easier for local entities to replicate successful interventions.
“Learning from each other can lead to better strategies tailored to the unique needs of different communities,” added.
To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of adaptation efforts, it is crucial to tailor projects to the specific conditions and needs of local communities.
By prioritising locallydriven initiatives, governments can ensure that adaptation measures are relevant and impactful.
In conclusion, addressing the technical capacity and climate finance management gaps is not merely an administrative task; it is essential for fostering resilient communities capable of adapting to the ever-increasing challenges posed by climate change.
The region’s governments are at a pivotal moment, where proactive engagement and investment in local adaptation can lead to transformative change.
However, climate change-related challenges are still on the rise and are causing huge economic and social losses for most of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) inhabitants at large.
Less than 10 per cent of international climate finance reaches the local level because the concept of localisation and its governing principles have not been adequately adopted in the African context.
Climate change poses a multifaceted challenge for East African nations, affecting their agriculture, water resources, biodiversity and health.
Addressing these issues through adaptation and sustainable practices is essential for the future well-being of the region and its inhabitants.
Collaborative efforts, both locally and globally, will be vital in mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering resilience in East Africa.
