Financial Services for Climate Resilience

Country Description

Togo is a country in West Africa located along the Gulf of Guinea. Its landscape includes rolling hills in the north, a central plateau in the south, and a low coastal plain characterized by lagoons and marshes. The northern regions tend tobe dry, while the southern parts of the country are wetter and more humid. According to the World Risk Report (2023), Togo faces a very high lack of adaptive capacity and high levels of vulnerability, susceptibility, and limited coping capacity, although its exposure to hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, droughts, and sea level rise is considered relatively low. 

Togo’s mean annual temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since 1960, particularly between April and June, and heatwaves have become more frequent across the country (World Bank Group, 2021). Temperatures are projected to continue rising throughout the century, especially in inland regions. These changes are expected to contribute to sea level rise and stronger wind events. Rainfall projections remain uncertain, although the proportion of total rainfall occurring during heavy rainfall events is expected to increase  

 Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change and employs about 70 percent of the population. Only around 2 percent of arable land is irrigated, making agricultural production highly dependent on rainfall. In addition, approximately 85 percent of the country’s public water supply comes from groundwater, which may be significantly affected by climate change. Groundwater reserves in the Maritime region could be depleted by the 2030s under extreme scenarios (ibid.). 

Togo’s adaptation efforts focus on agriculture, forestry, water resources, health, and coastal zone management. 

Country Description

Sri Lanka is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, with a warm and humid climate.  The country experiences four distinct climate seasons: two monsoons, the southwest monsoon (Yala) from May to October and the northeast monsoon (Maha) from December to March, as well as two inter-monsoon periods. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the western, southern, and central highlands, while the northeast monsoon affects the northern and eastern regions (Climate Change Knowledge Portal). Average annual temperatures range between 28°C and 30°C in coastal areas and can drop to around 15°C in the central highlands. However, climate change is contributing to rising temperatures, with projections indicating an increase of up to 3.5°C by 2100 under high-emission scenarios (World Bank Group). 

Sri Lanka is also highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, landslides, and cyclones, which have intensified in recent decades. The country experiences significant spatial and temporal variations in both droughts and floods. Climate change is expected to worsen these challenges by increasing rainfall variability and extreme temperatures, leading to additional risks such as salinity intrusion, coastal erosion, and sea level rise. The growing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters pose a significant threat to the country’s socioeconomic development (Asian Development Bank).  

In response, Sri Lanka has developed a range of adaptation and mitigation strategies, including commitments under its NDC (2021)to the Paris Agreement. These initiatives focus on strengthening disaster resilience, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving water resource management, and expanding renewable energy sources. 

Country Description

Senegal is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, locust invasions, flooding and related health outbreaks, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and bushfires (World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal).  The country faces recurring environmental shocks, with both droughts and floods intensifying in recent years. Climate change is expected to further increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and natural hazards.  

These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. In 2021, 50.8 percent of the population (then 8.6 million people) was considered multidimensionally poor, while an additional 18.2 percent (about 3.1 million people) was classified as vulnerable to multidimensional poverty (2023 Multidimensional Poverty index, UNDP).  Climate-related impacts, including declining agricultural productivity, rising food prices, coastal flooding and erosion, and associated health risks, particularly affect poorer households. Female-headed households are especially vulnerable economically, even under moderate levels of climate change (World Bank Group Systematic Country Diagnostic of Senegal).  

Country Description

The Canary Islands are an archipelago off the coast of southern Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. One of Spain’s autonomous communities, the seven islands lie in the transition zone between tropical and temperate regions (Climate Change Adaptation Strategy). They generally have a subtropical climate, although there is variation among the islands. The archipelago’s main natural hazards are volcanism, riverine and coastal flooding, landslides, and wildfires particularly during the summer months (Ferrer and Herrera, 2024). Populations are highly concentrated in urban areas across the islands (but mainly Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife), which, along with limited resources and isolation, make communities more vulnerable to disasters (ibid.).  

In terms of climate threats, rising temperatures are expected to increase both the duration and severity of droughts by the end of the twenty-first century, particularly in higher-elevation areas. (Carrillo et al., 2023). Heatwaves and Saharan dust events are also expected to increase as the climate warms, posing a threat to human health and to the islands’ flora and fauna (Hernandez et al., 2018). 

The islands are making climate adaptation plans, such as the one adopted by Gran Canaria, which promotes projects reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protecting biodiversity and coastlines. 

Country Description

Colombia, located in the northwest of South America, is a geographically varied country, with the Andes Mountains running through it and lowland plains in the east. Its coastline runs along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with the Amazon tropical rainforests to the southeast. The population is largely concentrated in the Andean highlands and the Caribbean coast, with less than 10 percent living in the eastern Llanos and tropical forests. Colombia is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, especially flooding caused by “La Niña”, a climate pattern characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.  The Caribbean and Andean regions are particularly susceptible, with sectors such as housing, transportation, energy, agriculture, and health at significant risk from these climate impacts (World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal). Due to its varied elevations, Colombia experiences significant regional differences in temperature and precipitation. The coastal and eastern lowland areas have a tropical climate, while the highlands and Andes are cooler (UNEP GRID-Geneva). 

 Colombia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change (World Risk Index 2024). Mismanagement of forests, land, and natural resources, along with poor land-use planning in sectors such as oil, mining, and agriculture, exacerbates deforestation and land degradation. Its geographic location exposes it to natural hazards, and climate-related disasters accounted for nearly 90 percent of the emergencies reported between 1998 and 2011, resulting in substantial economic losses. Improving disaster risk management in urban, coastal, and agricultural areas is key to increasing the country’s resilience to the rise in the frequency and economic cost of natural disasters. 

Country Description

Burundi is a landlocked country located in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It is one of the smallest and least-developed countries in Africa. It has a population of 14 million people, and 78% of them live below the poverty line (African Development Bank).

Burundi is essentially an agricultural country, with crop production and animal husbandry contributing about half of the GDP. Climate change is projected to cause higher temperatures and more extreme rainfall that will affect largely the economy and people’s lives due to the heavy reliance on agriculture. Furthermore, poverty hinders people’s capacity to adapt to the changing climate (African Development Bank).

Extreme rainfall events may negatively affect access to safe water sources as well as hydropower production. Moreover, high urbanization rates combined with poverty create a special concern in urban settlements, in terms of the impacts of disasters and the provision of basic services (African Development Bank).

Country Description

Barbados, a small island nation within the Caribbean region, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The country is exposed to hurricanes and natural hazards and is particularly susceptible to costal inundation and sea level rise, increasing tidal and storm surge levels, coastal erosion, rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, cyclones, and droughts, among others. (World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal).  

Barbados has also been noted as a country at the forefront of reforming the world of development finance, particularly in how rich countries help poor countries cope with and adapt to climate change, through movements like the Bridgetown Initiative. (World Economic Forum) 

Country Description

The Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa along the Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by largely flat plains, with higher mountains in the west. The southern coast has a tropical climate, whilst the north is predominantly savannah. Ivory Coast has among the highest levels of biodiversity globally, but also one of the highest rates of deforestation (PIK, n.d.). Its location, economic structure, and limited adaptive capacity make it one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change (137/187 on the 2025 ND-GAIN Index).

Compared to pre-industrial levels, average temperatures are projected to increase between 1.7°C-3.7°C by 2080 (PIK, n.d.). While precipitation projections remain uncertain, both dry and wet periods are expected to become more extreme (ibid.). Sea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal communities, where much of the population live, as well as water quality and availability due to saline intrusion (ibid.). Coastal fisheries are projected to decline 26 percent by 2050 due to rising temperatures, while changes in rainfall patterns are expected to worsen water availability, soil quality, and, importantly, cocoa yields (GRID Geneva, n.d.). Agriculture, largely subsistence-based and rain-fed, forms the backbone of the economy and is highly vulnerable to rising temperatures and water insecurity. Low adaptive capacity within the agricultural sector further increases its exposure to climate risks  (World Bank Group, 2023).

According to GRID Geneva (n.d.), the Ivory Coast demonstrates strong political will   for climate action, though further efforts are needed to operationalize policies. The country faces challenges related to technical capacity,  coordination, and the mainstreaming of climate policies. Ivory Coast’s REDD+ strategy aims to reduce deforestation, and collaboration with the Cocoa and Forests Initiative seeks to lessen the pressure of cocoa production on the forest ecosystem.  

Country Description

Country Description

Zambia is a large, landlocked country in south-central Africa. The country has a predominantly subtropical climate with one rainy season and two dry seasons, although rainfall varies significantly across regions. Zambia’s economy relies heavily on the exploitation of natural resources. Its climate is highly variable, and droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures have become increasingly frequent and intense in recent decades. 

Average annual temperatures in Zambia are projected to increase by between 1.2°C and 3.4°C by 2060 compared with pre-industrial levels, depending on the emission scenario (GRID Geneva, n.d.).  Since 2000, the country has experienced almost annual drought or flood events. Rainfall declined between 1971 and 2005 compared with the period 1940–1970, with the southwestern region most severely affected (ibid.). Water availability is projected to decrease by about 13 percent by 2100, which could have serious consequences for hydropower generation, agriculture, industrial production, and household water supply (NDC, 2020). Zambia already faces a high incidence rate of malaria, which is expected to increase as climate change alters temperature and rainfall patterns (GRID Geneva, n.d.).  In urban areas, waste management is also a growing concern, as illegal dumping and open burning contribute to environmental degradation and increase the risk of public health outbreaks (Sambo et al., 2020). 

Zambia’s NDCs, outlines its mitigation actions focused on sustainable forest management, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy development, and energy efficiency (NDC, 2020).  Adaptation measures include expanding irrigation systems, strengthening early warning systems, and using GIS and remote sensing technologies to map drought- and flood-prone areas (UNDP, n.d.). 

Country Description

South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in northeastern Africa. About 81.8 percent of the population (approximately 13.1 million people in 2025) live in rural areas and primarily depend on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. South Sudan has a tropical climate characterized by a rainy season followed by a dry season. Rainfall occurs mainly during a single rainy season from March to November, peaking between May and September. While the southern and eastern regions receive higher rainfall, the country experiences significant climate variability. As a result, droughts and floods frequently disrupt livelihoods, particularly in the agricultural sector (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).  

 South Sudan is highly vulnerable to climate risks, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and severe flooding. Since the 1970s, average temperatures have increased by about 1–1.5°C and are projected to continue rising by 2060 (African Development Bank).  These climate pressures, combined with widespread displacement linked to ongoing conflict, have intensified food insecurity and increased the risk of localized conflicts. 

In response to these challenges, South Sudan has identified priority actions and investment areas for climate change mitigation and adaptation (USAID South Sudan Climate Vulnerability Profile). These priorities focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies in sectors such as energy, land use, and transport. The country estimates that at least 50 billion USD will be required for mitigation and adaptation efforts by 2030, although further analysis is needed to refine these estimates and support requirements.  

Country Description

Vanuatu is an island nation in the Melanesian region of Oceania, consisting of more than 80 islands. Like many Pacific island states, Vanuatu faces significant climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, sea level rise, and increased storm surges. According to the Department of Climate Change of the Government of Vanuatu, temperatures are projected to increase by up to 1°C by 2030. Extreme rainfall events are expected to become more frequent and intense, increasing the damage caused by cyclones, storm surges, landslides, flooding, and droughts. Although tropical cyclones may become less frequent, they are projected to increase in intensity (Department of Climate Change, Government of Vanuatu). 

Between 1993 and 2022, the Climate Risk Index ranked Vanuatu as the ninth most affected country by climate change. Existing social and economic vulnerabilities intersect with climate risks, with women often facing heightened exposure during and after disasters. For example, Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020 led to widespread job losses among women working in the tourism and agricultural sectors in countries such as Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji (UNESCAP Pathways to Adaptation and Resilience in Pacific SIDS).  Vanuatu’s high ranking in the Climate Risk Index reflects the significant economic losses, number of people affected, and fatalities associated with climate-related disasters. (Climate Risk Index)  As an island nation frequently exposed to cyclones, Vanuatu continues to face increasing risks from extreme weather events that are expected to intensify under climate change. 

Country Description

Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines lies near the equator and within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Due to its geographic location, the country is highly exposed to a wide range of hydrometeorological hazards and ranks first among 193 countries assessed for disaster risk in the World Risk Index 2024.  

The effects of the climate crisis are increasingly evident across the country. Low-lying coastal communities are threatened by rising sea levels, while increasingly intense typhoons, averaging around 20 each year (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration)  bring devastating floods and landslides. Prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns also disrupt agriculture, water resources, and access to basic services. These climate impacts disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating poverty, gender-based violence, and inequality. At the same time, complex and evolving socioeconomic conditions further increase the country’s vulnerability to the intensifying effects of climate change. 

Country Description

Bangladesh has a humid, warm climate influenced by pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon circulations and frequently experiences heavy precipitation and tropical cyclones (World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal). In the World Risk Report, Bangladesh is 9th among 193 countries assessed for disaster risk (World Risk Index 2023).

In rural areas, where nearly 80 percent of the population lives, climate change has an immediate and direct effect on the health and well-being of millions of people who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. The impacts of climate change are also increasingly felt in large cities that are exposed to various climate-induced hazards, including variations in temperature, excessive and erratic rainfall, waterlogging, flooding, and heat and cold waves (Bangladesh: Finding It Difficult to Keep Cool as cited in Rabbani et al, 2011). 

Country Description

Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is located in the Middle East and borders Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. The country has a diverse landscape that includes arid desert plateaus, narrow coastal plains, and mountain ranges in the west. Syria has a predominantly semi-arid to arid climate, characterized by limited water resources and frequent droughts. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters along the coast are milder and receive most of the country’s rainfall. Inland regions, including the capital Damascus, occasionally experience snowfall. 

Rainfall varies significantly across the country, ranging from about 1,365 mm annually in the coastal mountains to as little as 20 mm in the southeastern desert (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).  Most of Syria’s land is arid, and natural forests cover only around 2 percent of the country’s total area. Water scarcity is a major concern, with agriculture accounting for approximately 88 percent of freshwater use (IFRC). 

 Syria has already experienced rising temperatures, with an increase of approximately 0.8°C over the past century. Climate projections indicate a further rise of 1–3°C by 2050 depending on greenhouse gas emission scenarios. This warming trend is expected to intensify heatwaves, prolong drought periods, and further strain water resources. The ND-GAIN Country Index  ranks Syria 158th globally, identifying it as the 114th most vulnerable and the 185th least ready country to address climate change impacts.   

In addition to climate risks, Syria continues to face ongoing conflict, financial constraints, and extensive infrastructure damage, which complicate the implementation of climate policies. Nevertheless, the country submitted its NDC in 2018, outlining actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2030 through renewable energy expansion, improved energy efficiency, reforestation, and better waste management, alongside adaptation measures in water conservation, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and coastal protection. 

Country Description

Malawi is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zambia. The country has a diverse topography, with Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa, as one of its most significant geographical features. Much of the remaining landscape consists of high, well-watered plateaus interspersed with large hills (World Bank Group, 2021).

The subtropical climate is characterized by two seasons: a rainy season from November to April and dry season from May to October. The country experiences high temperatures and humidity, with variations across regions and seasons. In recent years, however, Malawi has experienced an increase in climate-related hazards, including erratic rainfall, droughts, prolonged dry spells, and strong winds. These changes have affected key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, health, water, energy, transport, education, gender, forestry, wildlife, and infrastructure. Consequently, as the majority of Malawians rely on small-scale, rain-fed agriculture, livelihoods are highly dependent on the weather patterns, making communities particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events (Irish Aid, 2018).

In response, the government has introduced adaptation and mitigation strategies including the Malawi 2063 Development Agenda, which emphasizes environmental sustainability as a key cross-cutting priority and it is committed to reduce by 52 percent its GHG emissions by 2040 across the three pillars:  (i) institutional framework, (ii) knowledge, technology and financing and (iii) strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable.

Country Description

Madagascar, the world’s fifth-largest island, is located off the southern edge of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. The country’s diverse topography, including coastal plains, high plateaus, and mountain ranges, contributes to its varied climate conditions. Madagascar’s climate differs by region: the southwest has a semi-arid to arid climate, the eastern coast experiences a tropical climate, and the central highlands have moderate temperatures and rainfall. The arid conditions in the southwest are largely caused by trade winds from the Indian Ocean, which lose their moisture over the eastern coast and highlands, creating a rain-shadow effect in the western part of the country (World Bank Group, 2021).

In recent years, Madagascar has experienced an increasing range of climate hazards, including tropical cyclones, droughts, floods, and sea level rise. These impacts affect key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, water and sanitation, health, and education, while also contributing to the rising poverty rate (Miklyaev & Olubamiro, 2025).  The agricultural sector, which employs approximately 80 percent of the population, is particularly affected by heavy rainfall and extreme weather events, leading to crop losses and food insecurity. To address these challenges, Madagascar’s NDC in 2022 details adaptation strategies such as enhancing agricultural resilience and improving water resource management.

Country Description

Morocco is a country in northwest Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Alboran Sea to the west. The country’s climate varies with its topography. The Rif mountains lie in the north, the Atlas Mountains in the center, plateaus in the east, plains and the coastlines in the west, and desert along the edge of the Sahara in the south. Most of Morocco experiences mild, wet winters and hot dry summers. Increased temperatures and reduced precipitation are expected to have negative effects on Morocco’s water availability and food security, thus making it highly vulnerable to climate variability and change (World Bank Group, 2021). 

Morocco’s average annual temperature has increased in recent decades and is projected to rise more by the end of the century, characterized by more frequent, intense, and widespread heatwaves (IEA, 2023). Precipitation trends have shown high variability; however, the past several decades have demonstrated more erratic and overall lower rainfall across the country (World Bank Group, 2021). Increasing frequency, magnitude, and duration of drought is a major ongoing concern for the country (ibid.). Water scarcity will have severe consequences on the country’s agriculture, health, and infrastructure (e.g., due to the failure of sewage and storm water systems) and has pushed agriculture to fragile lands. By increasing the average annual temperature and the intensity of heatwaves, climate change is also expected to put a greater number of people in Morocco at risk of heat-related medical conditions. Rising sea levels and toxic algae blooms caused by warmer Mediterranean waters are also projected to have negative consequences for Morocco’s fisheries (ibid.). 

Morocco aims to increase its share of renewable electricity generation from 17.6% in 2020 to 52% by 2050, however, renewables are sensitive to climate conditions and require adaptation measures (IEA, 2023). 

Country Description

Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa located in the Sahel region. Due to its geographic position, the country experiences a hot and dry climate with highly variable rainfall. Around 80 percent of Niger’s land area lies within the Sahel, a region characterized by a strong dependence on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources for food security and livelihoods, rapid population growth, and recurring humanitarian crises driven by droughts, floods, food insecurity, epidemics, and violent conflict (Climate Change Knowledge Portal). Temperatures in Niger are projected to increase by between 2.0°C and 4.6°C by 2080 compared to pre-industrial levels, with higher temperatures and more frequent temperature extremes expected particularly in the southwest of the country (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) 
 
Given these compounding factors, climate change is likely to further exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Water scarcity, longer dry seasons, and rising temperatures may intensify existing pressures, potentially contributing to conflict and forced migration — challenges that already affect the region (USAID Climate Risk Profile, 2017).  

Country Description

Mali, officially known as the Republic of Mali, is one of the largest countries in West Africa. Landlocked, it is considered one of the hottest countries in the world, with most of its territory characterized by desert or semi-desert climates. Only the far south-western region has a more tropical wet-dry climate. Rainfall varies significantly across the country, decreasing from south to north, with northern areas receiving very little precipitation during the boreal summer. Temperatures remain consistently high, with large variations between day and night, as well as between seasons, especially in the northern regions (African Development Bank Group).

In recent years, Mali has faced increasing climate risks, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and desertification (World Bank Group).  Most cereal production is rain-fed and therefore highly vulnerable to rainfall variability, making climate change a significant threat to both livelihoods and food security. The country is also among the least developed countries in the world, with 44 percent of the population living below the poverty line (World Bank).

To address these challenges, the government set specific targets, including emission reduction by 2030, strong integration of gender consideration aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, and a more detailed monitoring and reporting framework (UNDP). It also reinforces adaptation measures across key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, water resources, and energy, and introduces decentralized climate funds to support community-led resilience initiatives.

Country Description

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and has a coastline along the Indian Ocean. Much of the country consists of highland plateaus situated between 900 and 1,800 meters above sea level, with mountain ranges across several regions. The terrain becomes flatter toward the coast. Tanzania’s climate is largely influenced by altitude, ranging from tropical lowlands in the east to cooler highland climates in the north and southwest. The country is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change across several sectors, including public health, energy supply, infrastructure, water resources, and agriculture (World Bank Group, n.d.).  Climate change is expected to intensify the risks associated with extreme weather events, including rainfall variability, prolonged droughts, and floods (ibid.). 

Air temperatures in Tanzania are projected to increase under all emission scenarios, with the annual number of very hot days expected to rise significantly (GIZ, 2021).  Sea level rise threatens coastal communities and may lead to saline intrusion, affecting water supplies and biodiversity (ibid.). Precipitation projections vary, with some models indicating a substantial decrease — more than 42mm by 2080 compared with 2000 — while others suggest little overall change (ibid.).  Water availability may decline significantly in some regions, potentially by up to 76 percent under both RCP2.6 and RCP6.0 scenarios (ibid.). Changes in water flows have already affected Tanzania’s capacity to generate and supply electricity, particularly hydropower, with droughts linked to climate change reducing generation in recent years (United Republic of Tanzania, 2007). 

In its first NDC (2021)  Tanzania outlines a range of adaptation measures across sectors such as forestry — including participatory sustainable forest management, coastal and marine ecosystems and fisheries, such as promoting livelihood diversification for coastal communities, and energy, including climate-smart rural electrification initiatives. 

Country Description

Uganda is a land-locked country located in East Africa.  In recent decades, the country has experienced increasingly erratic rainfall, leading to more frequent river flooding, mudslides, and landslides that have caused loss of life and damage to property, particularly in mountainous areas(Climate Change Knowledge Portal)   While Uganda historically had a tropical climate with relatively stable rainfall patterns, climate change has altered the regularity of the seasons, resulting in shorter or longer rainy periods and more severe droughts, especially in eastern and northeastern regions (IOM Uganda). 
 
Uganda’s Climate Change Department within the Ministry of Water and Environment aims to strengthen the country’s implementation of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. The government has identified four main areas of focus for climate action: adaptation, mitigation, outreach, and international cooperation. Although significant progress has been made across Africa in developing climate adaptation governance systems, implementation remains a challenge. In Uganda, key obstacles include limited coordination between government agencies and weak links between national, district, and community-level stakeholders ( E. L. Ampaire, et.al, 2017).  Uganda’s strong dependence on climate-sensitive natural resources makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change. Projected impacts, including increased food insecurity, the spread of diseases, soil erosion, and flood-related damage, could undermine the country’s development progress (Relief Web, 2008).

Country Description

Somalia, officially known as the Federal Republic of Somalia, is located in the Horn of Africa: its coastline stretches for over 3,025, Africa’s longest. Most of Somalia has a semi-arid or arid climate, with mountainous terrain in the north and predominantly flat plateaus in the south (African Development Bank). Temperatures are generally high, and rainfall is highly variable, with two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May associated with southwest monsoons, and the short rains from October to November linked to northeast monsoons.

The country faces significant climate risks from natural hazards including droughts, floods, cyclones, and climate-related diseases (World Bank Group).  Increasing rainfall variability and more intense rainfall events further heighten these risks. These challenges threaten key sectors such as agriculture, which employs around 70 percent of the workforce, as well as water security, infrastructure, and coastal settlements (Adelphi – Climate Risk Profile).

With a large portion of the population highly vulnerable to climate risks, Somalia’s  NDC (2021) emphasizes adaptation measures such as disaster risk reduction, improved water management, and sustainable land-use practices to strengthen resilience and support long-term stability.