ADF Approves $9.38M to Boost Climate Resilience and Water Security in Tanzania

The project will directly benefit an estimated 774,000 residents in the districts of Gairo, Kilosa, and Mvomero, all of which face recurrent climate-related hazards.

The African Development Fund (ADF) has approved a $9.38 million grant to help Tanzania enhance climate resilience in the Mkondoa Catchment, a critical water resource zone increasingly affected by floods, droughts, and extreme weather events driven by climate change. The operation—funded through the ADF's Climate Action Window—was approved on 12 December 2025.

The new initiative, titled Enhancing Climate Resilience on Water Resources in Mkondoa Catchment, aims to protect vulnerable communities, safeguard essential infrastructure, and improve long-term water security and livelihoods.

Supporting Nearly 800,000 People Across Three Districts

The project will directly benefit an estimated 774,000 residents in the districts of Gairo, Kilosa, and Mvomero, all of which face recurrent climate-related hazards. Among the core interventions are:

• Strengthening early warning systems to improve preparedness

• Building climate-resilient infrastructure, including dikes and check dams

• Restoring 1,200 hectares of degraded watersheds to enhance ecosystem resilience

These activities are designed to reduce loss of life, mitigate economic damage, and support communities that depend heavily on smallholder agriculture and natural resources.

Creating Jobs and Supporting Inclusive Growth

Project implementation is expected to stimulate local employment, generating:

• 3,500 temporary jobs

• 1,000 long-term jobs

A strong emphasis will be placed on women and youth, ensuring equitable participation in climate adaptation activities and boosting local economic opportunities.

Strengthening Institutions and Safeguarding Key Infrastructure

The project will be implemented by the Wami/Ruvu Basin Water Board under Tanzania's Ministry of Water, with works set to begin in January 2026.

Expected outcomes include:

• Reduced flood and drought impacts

• Improved water availability for households, livestock, and agriculture

• Strengthened institutional capacity to manage climate risks

• Better nutrition and poverty reduction through resilient food systems

Importantly, the project will also protect the Morogoro–Dodoma Road (B-127)—a strategic trade corridor vital for Tanzania and the wider East African region. By reducing climate-related disruptions, the project supports both national and regional economic stability.

A Strategic Investment in Climate Adaptation

Assefaw Mecuria, Manager for the Water Security and Sanitation Division in East and Southern Africa at the African Development Bank, underscored the transformational impact of the initiative:

"This project is a strategic investment in Tanzania's sustainable future. By building resilience in the Mkondoa Catchment, we are protecting livelihoods, boosting food security, and fostering inclusive economic growth in the face of a changing climate."

Driving Sustainable Development in Vulnerable Communities

By restoring ecosystems, improving water management, and bolstering institutional and community resilience, the project aligns with Tanzania's national climate adaptation priorities and the Bank's broader vision for sustainable, climate-resilient development.

The operation represents a meaningful step toward ensuring that communities in the Mkondoa Catchment are better equipped to face ongoing climate stressors, while also supporting long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.