Launch of UNCDF LoCAL Phase II in Tanzania

Habari za asubuhi!

It is my honor to be here today to welcome you to the launch of UNCDF’s Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) Phase II in Tanzania on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator a.i This initiative marks a significant step forward in our UN collective efforts to build local resilience to the impact of climate change and foster sustainable development in our communities.

Climate change is a pressing global issue, affecting societies, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, and particularly here in Tanzania, climate change is intensifying every day and its impacts are becoming increasingly severe and profound. We face multiple threats from a changing climate, including shifts in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. They pose serious challenges to sustainable agriculture, food security, the availability of clean water, coastal ecosystems, and overall livelihoods. Unfortunately, the most affected by the impact of the climate change are the most vulnerable population and communities in rural areas.

The United Nations in Tanzania, in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-27), is working together with the United Republic of Tanzania, Development Partners, and civil society organizations to ensure that  Tanzanians, especially the most vulnerable, contribute to and benefit from more inclusive and gender-responsive management of natural resources, climate change resilience, disaster risk reduction and increased use of efficient renewable energy. 

Such efforts are embedded in the national development plans and priorities including the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III; 2021/22 – 2025/26), and Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP 2021-2026), which are all contributing to the National Development Vision 2025, the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

By contributing to the Planet Outcome of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2027 for Tanzania, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), through its Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility, aims to provide supplementary capital to implement locally-led climate adaptation interventions and investments in target districts, increase awareness and capacities to respond to climate change at the local level, mainstream climate change adaptation into local government’s planning and budgeting systems in a participatory and gender-responsive manner, and institutionalize an effective performance-based climate resilience grant system that can attract further finance for local adaptation. 

The LoCAL programme, with support from the European Union and the Government of Sweden, piloted from 2022 to 2023 in the Chamwino, Mpwapwa, and Kondoa districts of the Dodoma region, benefiting more than 800,000 people, particularly women. 

During this first phase of the LoCAL programme, we acknowledge the significant role UNCDF played in empowering local governments to effectively implement climate adaptation measures tailored to their specific communities. In essence, LoCAL is not only about funding; it is about building capacity, fostering innovation, and ensuring that local voices and participation are at the forefront of climate action. Another significant measure of success is the supplementary finance that can be mobilized, and we will surely welcome and support such efforts.

I am particularly pleased that we are joined today by representatives from one of the communities LoCAL supported. We will hear from them directly about the impact of our collective efforts. The results of LoCAL Phase I have been profound. We saw improvements in climate change adaptation infrastructure projects that enhanced access to essential services for over 10,500 people directly in the vulnerable communities of target districts. Local governments gained the skills to mobilize and allocate resources more effectively, resulting in increased resilience to climate change and strengthened local economies. Community engagement has been the cornerstone of our approach, leading to projects that truly reflect local needs and aspirations.

Based on the results of the pilot phase, lessons learned, and support from development partners including the European Union Delegation to Tanzania, the Royal Norweigan Embassy in Tanzania, the Embassy of Belgium in Tanzania, and the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, UNCDF has mobilized approximately USD11 million for LoCAL’s Phase II implementation.  

Phase II of the LoCAL programme aims to deepen the efforts made in Phase I pilot districts and expand coverage to an additional 4 districts and 1 municipal in the coastal regions of Tanzania to address ongoing challenges in climate resilience. This phase will enhance local governments’ capacities not only in planning but also in implementing and monitoring climate adaptation strategies that are responsive to local contexts and gender considerations.

The scale-up of UNCDF’s LoCAL programme comes at a crucial moment for the people of Tanzania, who are grappling with the escalating risks associated with the climate change phenomena. Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all partners who have been instrumental in bringing this scale-up to fruition. Our government partners, development partners, the Tanzanian local authorities present here today, and most importantly, the communities themselves, your commitment and collaboration have been vital in reaching this important milestone!

The United Nations is committed to supporting Tanzania’s efforts in climate adaptation and sustainable development. We look forward to working closely with all of you to ensure the successful scale-up of LoCAL and its positive impact on communities across Tanzania, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In closing, I encourage all partners—government at all levels, development partners, fellow UN agencies, and other stakeholders—to engage actively in the implementation of LoCAL Phase II for sustained positive impact. Let us continue to share best practices and lessons learned to create a collaborative environment that drives sustainable development forward.

Thank you for your dedication to creating a resilient future for Tanzania!

Asanteni sana!