World Bank approves $40 million climate grants for Zambia, other African countries

The World Bank has approved an additional US$40 million grant to address critical gaps in climate resilience and food security in Zambia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali and Senegal.

The International Development Association (IDA) grants were approved on Monday this week.

It is considered a significant step towards advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and addressing critical gaps in climate resilience and food security in the six countries.

With this operation, farmers and livestock keepers would be equipped to predict and prepare for climate-related events more effectively, along with improved access to climate advisories directly connected to actionable response measures.

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Commenting on the development, World Bank Regional Director for Sustainable Development, Chakib Jenane, said investing in climate-smart agriculture was essential for enhancing food security and economic development in a sustainable manner.

“We are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that farmers and other stakeholders benefit from innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change,” Jenane said.

In addition to World Bank’s commitment, other partners are reportedly stepping forward to support the project.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it is said, intends to commit US$18.8 million in parallel financing to catalyse project’s impact.

Furthermore, the Office Chérifien des Phosphates would provide US$5 million to support the new hub for soil fertility.

World Bank Director of Regional Integration for Africa and the Middle East, Boutheina Guermazi, said the effects of climate change on the food security situation in Africa called for regional solutions and strong partnerships to achieve sustainable impacts and reduce poverty on a livable planet.

“These collaborative efforts reflect a shared commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and soil degradation in Africa,” he said.

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