With vulnerable communities facing the escalating challenges of climate change, energy insecurity and shifting geopolitical landscapes, innovative water initiatives and financing are more critical than ever.
Over the past decade, the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIDF) has been at the forefront of transforming water infrastructure to build climate resilience for the poor and vulnerable communities across Southern Africa. Working across 13 countries, we contributed to increased climate resilience for 3.2 million people and enhanced water security for over 1 million individuals.
In connection with the new edition of British Expertise International’s Water Resilience Working Group report Water Resilience – Unlocking Local and Global Benefits Through Collaboration, we reflect on the growing importance of water resilience by highlighting two key CRIDF projects that exemplify our approach to financing and delivering water infrastructure solutions.
Advancing sustainable livelihoods through the CORB Fund
The Cubango-Okavango River Basin Fund (CORB Fund) is a fully independent hybrid financing mechanism designed to enhance livelihoods, improve ecosystem resilience and ensure equitable benefits for the riparian states of Angola, Botswana and Namibia.
In this video, we share lessons learned from establishing and supporting the CORB Fund, showcasing its role in fostering sustainable development and climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the shared river basin.
Strengthening climate resilience in the Zambezi River Basin
To ensure water and food security for the rural poor and reduce vulnerability to climate change, CRIDF engaged with the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) in preparing the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change (PIDACC Zambezi), securing funding from the African Development Bank in association with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
In this video, CRIDF’s Team Leader, Charles Reeve, and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Andrew Takawira, discuss the programme’s support to ZAMCOM in implementing PIDACC Zambezi strategic plan and fostering climate resilience in the region.