PREDIRE

Adaptation Need

The DRC and CAR face severe climate adaptation challenges due to limited climate risk understanding, weak institutional capacity, gender disparities, insufficient adaptation financing, internal conflicts, and the burden of a substantial number of internally displaced persons. The ND-GAIN country index ranks these countries as the 5th and 2nd most vulnerable globally to climate change impacts. Both countries are already experiencing climate impacts including persistent heat waves, heavy rainfall, land degradation from erosion, extended dry seasons, and flooding. The countries’ NDCs highlight this vulnerability. Climate projections for the region predict a 3°C to 5°C temperature increase by 2100, with reduced but more variable rainfall patterns, and increasing rainfall intensity.

GCA’s Added Value

GCA supported the AfDB and the countries by designing and prioritizing inclusive adaptation measures while building local capacity to deliver climate-resilient water services. Through comprehensive climate risk and gender vulnerability assessments, GCA identified critical risk hotspots and gender gaps, then developed a targeted gender action plan to address these vulnerabilities. These assessments informed AfDB’s technical investment designs, ensuring gender-sensitive and climate-resilient solutions were integrated into water supply system planning and operations. GCA’s analysis guided the selection of appropriate investments and water infrastructure location modifications that respond to hazards such as flooding and address both climate risks and gender disparities in water access. To leverage additional resources, GCA developed a concept note for climate co-financing that will unlock climate financing for adaptation initiatives.