Program for integrated development and adaptation to climate change in the Zambezi

Adaptation Need

The Zambezi River Basin is increasingly experiencing climate risks such as droughts, rising temperatures, floods, and changing seasons, all of which are becoming more frequent and severe, affecting both agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems. Although these impacts vary across countries, communities within the basin are struggling to cope with these escalating ecological challenges. These conditions have led to widespread vulnerability, food insecurity, and economic hardships. Existing adaptation efforts are inadequate for building resilience at speed and scale, as reflected in high poverty levels, insufficient infrastructure, and the destructive impacts of extreme climatic events. Urgent and targeted adaptation strategies are needed to reduce risks, protect livelihoods, and support sustainable development amid the increasing climate threats.

GCA’s Added Value

GCA’s support refined the design of the PIDACC program by incorporating resilience-focused solutions and approaches. This included integrating ecosystem-based adaptation strategies through locally tailored digital climate advisory services across the basin, with the goal of strengthening community resilience, enhancing landscape management, and building adaptive and institutional capacities. To inform these efforts, GCA conducted comprehensive assessments and stakeholder consultations to identify the most urgent climate risks confronting smallholder farmers and small businesses in the Zambezi River Basin countries. The analysis also explored the potential of digital technology in climate adaptation and proposed interventions to accelerate and broaden its use for resilience building.