The OPEC Fund for International Development’s Post

According to Maïrama Tamboura, Catherine Baron and Ramané Kaboré "In Sub-Saharan Africa, 400 million people still have no access to water services, and most live in peri-urban areas with no legal status (UN-Water, 2022). For decades, African cities have been facing numerous challenges linked to difficulties of supply and access to drinking water due to strong urban growth. This growth is accompanied by a rise in the precariousness of populations and urban sprawl, making it difficult to extend networks. In addition, water resources are dwindling as a result of the climate crisis affecting the Sudano-Sahelian countries." https://lnkd.in/ei3e--qe #WaterAccess #SubsaharanAfrica #UrbanChallenges #ClimateCrisis #PotableWater #UrbanGrowth #Precarization

The effects of extreme weather and war have led to large numbers of internally displaced communities across Africa. It is especially in the northern parts of West Africa, in the Horn of Africa and in parts of Central and East Africa where people have fled their homes. According to Dr Mary Okumu, ForAfrica’s Technical Director, conflict has resulted in more than nine million people fleeing their villages of birth. Most of these people are from Sudan/ Horn of Africa region and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Okumu says that these African communities increasingly face a complex set of challenges that require multisector, layered initiatives that support their efforts to reshape their environments, ForAfrica, a humanitarian development organisation that has been working on the ground in Africa for almost 40 years, has developed a three-tiered programming framework that helps communities get back on their feet. Dr Okumu says that at each stage of ForAfrika’s developmental transformation model, processes and solutions are carefully and deeply discussed with the community in question so that vulnerable groups are able to drive their own sustainable progress beyond temporary external aid. The sense of ownership that this inculcates in communities is critical. “Our proven process model has been developed over four decades of working closely with local communities, listening to grassroots voices to direct localised solutions that are tailored to contexts,” she says. To read the full article click on the link below or visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop-shop for on the ground information and business intelligence about Africa. WhyAfrica specialises in the sustainable utilisation and responsible extraction of natural resources in Africa. WhyAfrica supports the empowerment of local communities across Africa.   WhyAfrica forAfrica   #whyafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #ESG #africa #development #conflict #extremeweatherevents #climatechange #whyinvestinafrica #investinafrica   Image credit: ForAfrica https://lnkd.in/enpZ6Bzx

Budalangi, located in Kenya's Busia County, is an area significantly affected by climate-induced displacement. Situated near Lake Victoria and bordered by the Nzoia River, the region is prone to extreme flooding, worsened by climate change. These floods have caused severe displacement, especially in areas like the Budalangi IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp. Here, families find themselves repeatedly uprooted by floods triggered by heavy rainfall and backflows from Lake Victoria. The problem has escalated due to intensified weather patterns attributed to climate change. The increasing frequency and severity of floods are not only eroding homes and farmlands but are also displacing families, creating a humanitarian crisis. For many in Budalangi, climate change is not just an environmental issue but a constant threat to their homes, livelihoods, and stability. The displaced communities here are forced into IDP camps where resources are scarce, and livelihoods are disrupted, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. Climate-induced displacement is more than a physical challenge; it disrupts community cohesion and peace. Resource scarcity and competition, as displaced people lose their farms and income sources, put pressure on surrounding areas. As new lands are sought for resettlement, tensions can rise between displaced. Full YouTube Video: https://lnkd.in/eqNMtNex Translator: Otwori Dennis #ClimateChange #PeaceBuilding #Displacement #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #Mobility #HumanRights #IDPCamp #LakeVictoria #Kenya #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityResilience #FloodImpact #ClimateAdaptation #SocialJustice #Biodiversity #FoodSecurity #WaterManagement #CommunityCohesion #HumanitarianCrisis

Restoration works and, when done right, can provide major benefits to communities. One such example is the “Regreening Africa” initiative which has restored more than 350,000 hectares across Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal and Somalia. It has reached more than 600,000 households through its training and tree-growing efforts. As the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment, #AMCEN, is underway in Abidjan, with a focus on raising Africa’s ambition to reduce land degradation, desertification, and drought, see how this initiative is regreening the continent: https://lnkd.in/dQzGBYfv

A Capital City in Crisis Uganda is experiencing drastic changes in weather patterns, with heavy rains becoming more intense and unpredictable. Unfortunately, the country’s capital, Kampala, is ill-equipped to handle these challenges. Poorly developed infrastructure, blocked drainage systems, and unplanned urbanization have turned the city into a flood-prone zone. With every downpour, entire neighborhoods in Kampala are submerged. Roads become rivers, homes are flooded, and livelihoods are disrupted. Meanwhile, village centers—though not entirely unaffected—experience significantly fewer floods. Why? Because rural areas still rely on natural water management systems. Unpaved soils, wetlands, and vegetation absorb and channel rainwater efficiently, preventing destructive runoff. Kampala’s situation is a wake-up call. As urban areas expand, we need sustainable solutions that harmonize development with the environment. Reviving wetlands, improving drainage infrastructure, and enforcing proper urban planning are vital steps to combat the growing flood crisis. Let’s act now before the rains wash away more than just our streets. The question is: can we restore what nature taught us before it’s too late? #ihaveadream Daydream Ministries Uganda Nyombi Morris Marcus Adams Global Centre for Climate Mobility Africa Climate Mobility Initiative Julia Goodman, FRSA Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Most developed countries in Africa are Seychelles, Mauritius, and most the North African States because they have established nationwide transport systems by road and rail. They also have developed water and drainage systems, electricity supply, good hospitals, which mean you dont have to go abroad for a hospital treatment, abundant free schools, and better housing, even for the poor. Most Sub-Saharan African countries do not fall in the above category. South Africa, to a certain extent, is developed but only in the areas and cities where the Whites inhabited. Rwanda is trying to change their infrastructure. Lagos has some nice developed areas but not enough because the general infrastructure is still very poor as it lacks all the positives I mentioned above. We should focus on rural development and intense urbanisation of African cities.

Off topic from my usual UK Planning system topics but hugely relevant to my family: Anne-Marie Hesmondhalgh Africa's Urban Boom: A Challenge of Thirst Africa is experiencing an unprecedented wave of urbanisation. With cities projected to double in size by 2050, the need for infrastructure is immense. But one essential element is in short supply: water. Millions already grapple with daily water scarcity, forced to queue for hours or pay exorbitant prices for a basic necessity. This burden falls particularly on women and girls, who often spend hours collecting water, sacrificing education and opportunities. This BBC video paints a stark picture of this struggle in Nairobi, Kenya. Here, informal settlements rely on vendors trucking in water, often at a high cost. Sustainable solutions are urgently needed. Investing in water infrastructure, improving distribution systems, and exploring alternative sources like rainwater harvesting are crucial steps. Only then can African cities thrive and offer a decent quality of life for all. #Africa #Urbanization #WaterCrisis https://lnkd.in/eeM_63kf

#Wednesday Reading Recommendation 📚 In the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, #Bangladesh—home to nearly 1 million displaced people—solar-powered appliances play a vital role in meeting energy needs. However, their short lifespan has led to growing e-waste challenges, posing significant environmental risks. This case study explores a collaborative programme tackling e-waste management in the Kutupalong and Nayapara camps in Cox’s Bazar, #Bangladesh. Key highlights: 🔹 E-waste challenges and solutions 🔹 Project implementation and achievements 🔹 Lessons for the global humanitarian sector As we progress toward universal #electricityaccess, it's crucial to ensure local green jobs in repair and maintenance while implementing effective end-of-life recycling systems to recover materials for reuse. However, making circular business models viable in these contexts is no easy task. Integrating livelihoods and skills development initiatives is essential to ensure success. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/dGWKTdrc #HumanitarianEnergy International Growth Centre,The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of Oxford, The Rockefeller Foundation, NGO Forum for Public Health, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Schneider Electric, Electriciens sans frontières.

Happy United Nations Day! 🌍 At LASRO, we recognize that global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality require collective action. Lagos is committed to doing its part by building a more resilient city for all. Our work aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and we're focused on: Strengthening our communities: In efforts to strengthen community participation in flood management, LASRO sensitized the Iba LCDA community members among other communities to develop the capacity of these local communities to predict and respond to flood occurrences. Promoting inclusivity: The Lagos Resilience Office is pushing for the collective adoption of the Special People's Law through initiatives like the adoption of dedicated car lots for Persons Living with Disability and ramps in various establishments. Partnership for Food Security: LASRO is committed to partnering with MDAs like the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems through the development Business Continuity Plans to ensure they are better prepare for and respond to, and recover from potential disruptions. We believe that by working together, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for Lagos and contribute to a better world for everyone. #UNDay #GlobalGoals #ResilientLagos #LagosResilienceOffice

Lake Turkana's communities in Northern Kenya rely heavily on fishing due to climate-induced poverty, but inadequate cold chain infrastructure and preservation methods significantly reduce the value and market reach of their fish, contributing to severe food insecurity in the area. As we focus on poverty and frontline communities this week in our #PoweringInclusion campaign, read our report on how Adili Solar Hubs improved the income of local fishers, while also addressing challenges related to energy consumption, and transportation, ensuring sustainable and efficient fish distribution: https://lnkd.in/dYPwQbCF