Africa is feeling the effects of climate change more than many other parts of the world. But African communities aren’t just sitting back – they’re taking action! Here are 10 amazing projects where locals are working together to tackle climate challenges:
1. The Great Green Wall (Sahel region)
 The African Union leads this project, with support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The Great Green Wall Initiative was officially launched in 2007 by the African Union. It’s a pan-African effort involving 11 countries across the Sahel. The project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Key partners include:
– The World Bank
– Global Environment Facility (GEF)
– The European Union
– FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
These organizations provide funding, technical support, and help coordinate efforts across countries.
2. Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (Niger)
 World Vision Australia originally promoted this technique by working with local partners.
FMNR was pioneered by Australian agronomist Tony Rinaudo in the 1980s. World Vision has since helped spread the practice across Niger and to other African countries.
Local organizations now leading FMNR efforts include:
– SERVE (Serving in Mission)
– Eden’s Reforestation Projects
– The Niger government’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry
3. Sand Dams (Kenya)
 African Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF) and Excellent Development
ASDF is a Kenyan NGO founded in 2010. They work closely with Excellent Development, a UK charity, to implement sand dam projects. Together, they’ve built over 1,000 sand dams in Kenya.
Other key partners include:
– The Kenyan government’s Water Resources Management Authority
– Local community water user associations
4. Floating Gardens
While this example is from Bangladesh, similar projects in Africa are often led by:
– Practical Action (international NGO)
– Local agricultural extension services
– Community-based organizations
5. Climate-Smart Villages (Senegal)
 CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
CCAFS works with a network of partners to implement Climate-Smart Villages, including:
– Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute (ISRA)
– National Agency for Civil Aviation and Meteorology (ANACIM)
– Local farmer organizations

HAVE YOU READ?

7 African NGOs Leading the Fight Against Climate Change

6. Rainwater Harvesting (Tanzania)
 Several NGOs and government agencies are involved, including:
– RAIN Foundation
– Tanzania Rainwater Harvesting Association (TARWHA)
– Tanzanian Ministry of Water
These groups work together to train communities, provide materials, and ensure proper maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems.
7. Mangrove Restoration (Senegal)
 Oceanium Dakar
Oceanium is a Senegalese NGO founded in 1984. They’ve led large-scale mangrove restoration efforts since 2006. Key partners include:
– Senegalese National Parks Department
– Local Village Committees
– International funders like Livelihoods Funds
8. Solar-Powered Irrigation (various countries)
Organizations vary by country, but key players include:
– Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)
– Practica Foundation
– National agricultural research institutes
Many projects also involve partnerships with solar technology companies and local governments.
9. Early Warning Systems (Ethiopia)
Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA)
APDA is an Ethiopian NGO founded in 1993. They work closely with:
– Ethiopian Meteorological Agency
– Regional Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau
– International partners like Farm Africa and the UN Development Programme
10. Resilient Crop Varieties (various countries)
 CGIAR centers play a leading role, particularly:
– International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
– African Rice Center
– International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
These research centers collaborate with:
– National agricultural research systems in each country
– Local seed companies and farmer cooperatives
– The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
Each of these organizations brings unique strengths to their projects. They often combine international expertise and funding with deep local knowledge and community engagement. This collaborative approach helps ensure that climate adaptation efforts are both effective and sustainable in the long term. 
Discover supplementary details regarding this article by reading this post: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climatechange.